David Leon Butzin, 63, was last seen in Bozeman, Montana, on November 10, 2024, and has not been heard from since. He was officially reported missing to the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office on November 25, 2024. The delay in reporting his disappearance is attributed to his known habits of going hiking without informing anyone and being out of contact for extended periods. It is uncharacteristic for Butzin to be out of touch with his loved ones for such a prolonged time.
On November 26, 2024, Butzin's vehicle was discovered at the New Gulch Trailhead in the New World Gulch/Bear Canyon area, southeast of Bozeman. This discovery led investigators to believe he disappeared while on a hike. An avid outdoorsman, Butzin was known to hike off-trail. Extensive search efforts were launched in the area where his car was found, involving search dogs, horses, drones, and aircraft. Despite these efforts, no further clues as to his whereabouts have been found.
Authorities have considered several possibilities for his disappearance, including a fall, a medical event, or an accident, though the exact circumstances remain unknown. The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office has indicated that they do not believe he has survived. As of early 2026, the case remains unsolved. Prior to his disappearance, Butzin had been living in the Bozeman area for a number of years. In 1985, he was convicted for the murders of his pregnant wife and their 18-month-old son in Minnesota.Last Seen: Nov 10, 2024
