Family of missing man questions drowning theory

GREAT FALLS (AP) — The family of a Great Falls eye doctor who disappeared at Lake Elwell in Liberty County last week is asking authorities to continue to investigate his disappearance, saying it's premature to assume that he drowned.

The family of John Kumm, 50, released a statement Tuesday asking that the possibility of foul play not be dismissed, considering the timeline of events and Kumm's fishing routine.

"While we agree that it is reasonably possible (that Kumm drowned), there is no conclusive evidence supporting the theory," the family said.

The statement from the family said he called his brother at 6:46 a.m. on June 6 to report he was 15 minutes from the lake, and that his empty boat was spotted 50 yards from shore at 7:10 a.m. with its motor up. They question whether he got back to the boat after parking his pickup because the motor was up, his lunch, cellphone and wallet were still on the floor of the boat and his life jacket was still strapped to the chair.

The details of Kumm's routine compared with the evidence leads the family to believe he didn't make it back to the boat after parking his truck.

They said the keys to his truck have not been located.

"The theory that the boat came loose and that John attempted to swim to the boat has no merit," the family's statement continued. "John does not get in the water — ever."

The family suggested he would have used a nearby paddle boat to retrieve his boat if his boat got away from him.

"If there was foul play involved, we are concerned at the amount of time that has transpired without any investigative action," the statement said.

Liberty County Undersheriff Doug Riggin has said Kumm is presumed to be dead and they will likely have to wait for his body to surface.

The sheriff's office declined comment on the family's statement.