"Our Hearts Are Broken": Deputy Ryan Terpsma, 28, and Merrisa Walker, 46, Killed in Eureka Shooting; Suspect Surrenders at Roadblock

EUREKA, Mont. — A Lincoln County sheriff's deputy and a 46-year-old woman were killed in a shooting in Eureka on Friday night, leaving a community in mourning, according to Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short.
Deputy Ryan Terpsma, 28, and a Eureka police officer responded at 8:23 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, to a disturbance call at 118 Lone Pine Trail. Authorities said the suspect, Matthew David Dye, 50, of Kalispell, shot and killed Terpsma and wounded the Eureka officer, whose injuries were not life-threatening. Investigators later found that Merrisa Walker, 46, had also been shot and killed. A juvenile girl was injured and was treated and released.
Authorities said Dye fled toward Kalispell with a 7-year-old girl in his vehicle. Flathead County deputies pursued him, and he fired at them, disabling two patrol cars. Deputies returned fire. Dye surrendered at a roadblock at Bill Creek Road and Mountain Meadow Road, and the 7-year-old was recovered unharmed. The deputies involved were placed on administrative leave under department policy.
Dye is held at the Flathead County Detention Center on a deliberate homicide warrant, and charges are expected to be filed. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation at the sheriff's request. Terpsma had worked as a Flathead County detention officer from December 2024 until May 2026, when he joined Lincoln County. "Our hearts are broken," the sheriff's office said.
May the families of Deputy Terpsma and Merrisa Walker, and everyone touched by this night, find strength and comfort in the days ahead.