EUREKA — A Lincoln County Sheriff's deputy was killed after being shot as he and an Eureka Police officer responded to a disturbance call at 8:23 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.
According to Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short, 28-year-old Deputy Ryan Terpsma was killed, and an Eureka Police Officer was also struck by gunfire. The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
According to Short, the suspect, Matthew David Dye, 50, of Kalispell, fled the scene with a 7-year-old girl. He was pursued by Flathead County Sheriff's Deputies, and fired at deputies, disabling 2 patrol cars.
Dye was stopped and surrendered at a roadblock on Highway 93.
During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Merrisa Walker, 46, had also been shot and killed at the scene of the original call. A juvenile girl was also injured, but was treated and released.
In a release, Sheriff Short stated: "It has been trying times in Lincoln County during the last year. We are all deeply affected by the loss of Deputy Terpsma but know we can count on our community to support the Sheriff’s Office and each other as we grieve the loss of this fine young man."
Dye will be charged in Terpsma's death and will have an initial hearing in Lincoln County Justice Court sometime next week.
UPDATE: 10-31-2026
Montana Attorney General issued the following statement after a Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy was killed in the line of duty:
"Lincoln County Deputy Ryan Terpsma answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community. He will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Terpsma's friends and family, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and the entire Eureka community. I encourage my fellow Montanans to join me. In Montana, we back the blue. As Attorney General, I will do everything I can to provide support to the community and ensure justice is served."
The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating the incident.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
