BUTTE — A student of the Montana Youth Challenge Academy in Dillon died on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, according to a news release from the Montana National Guard.
Beaverhead County Sheriff David Wendt, who is the acting coroner on the case, said it was a 17-year old boy from Missoula; the teen's name has not been released at this point.
Wendt said the death was not criminal in nature and the victim "acted on his own," but did not elaborate.
"As a father, my heart breaks for this young person's family and all who loved them," said Brigadier General Trent Gibson, the adjutant general of Montana. "After 26 years with the Montana Youth Challenge Academy, including serving as the former director, I know firsthand how much the staff care for every cadet who walks through the door. This is a close community bound together by a shared commitment to helping young people. This loss is felt throughout the academy and across the Montana National Guard family."
The Youth Challenge Academy is a free program for teens aged 16 to 18. The program serves students who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out. The program is described as high-stress and high-tempo.
According to SMSgt Devin Doskey, Chief of Public Affairs, the National Guard Youth Challenge Program consists of a multi-phased intervention program; targets high school dropouts between the ages of 16 and 18; is comprised of a structured, disciplined 5 1/2-month Residential Phase focusing on education and practical life skills followed by a 12-month Post-Residential Phase involving skilled and trained Mentors supporting Graduates engaged in positive, durable placement.
According to the academy's website, the current class is expected to graduate June 20.
The academy was launched in 1999 and has graduated 4,300 people, according to the website.
The academy operates on the campus of the University of Montana Western in Dillon.
