January 26, 2023 |
The Saratoga man found dead near his vehicle after it became stuck in the snow on rural road east of town last Thursday has been identified.
Sheriff Alex Bakken confirmed that the body of 70-year-old Neal Lee Forbes was located by emergency responders on the evening of Thursday, January 19th.
Forbes, a long-time Saratoga resident, was stranded several miles east of town when his vehicle because stuck in a snowbank on Stock Drive Way near the elk refuge. A cause of death has not officially been released; however, Sheriff Bakken was able to confirm that Forbes was found deceased about 50 yards from his vehicle.
Forbes’ pet dog was with him at the time of his death. Encampment Police Chief Kevin Shue said searchers were able to spot the animal, but were not able to catch it. Chief Chief Shue said the dog eventually found its way to a person’s house and was returned to Forbes’ widow, Pat.
An obituary released by the family said Forbes is survived by his wife Pat, son Scott, daughter LeeAnn, and sister Judy Dixon. Services for Neal Forbes will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Saratoga this Friday, January 27th. The family thanked the rescue team for their efforts.
