Bigfoot hoaxer killed on Montana highway

Sept. 5, 2012

A man dressed in a bushy suit apparently attempting to incite a Bigfoot hoax was struck by two vehicles and killed on Highway 93 near Kalispell, MT, last week.

Police said that Randy Lee Tenley, 44, was dressed in a “ghillie” — a hairy-looking suit that hunters use to blend in with the environment — in an attempt to resemble a Bigfoot, or sasquatch, as a hoax when he was struck in quick succession by two different cars, each driven by a teenage girl.

“From what I understand, at least one of his friends said that he was trying to induce a sasquatch sighting by using the suit along the highway,” Montana Highway Patrol spokesman Sergeant Steve Lavin said in a Reuters report. “This is a first for me after 20 years on the highway patrol. It’s strange.”

Tenley was first struck by a car driven by a 15-year-old (15-year-olds can drive in Montana with a learners permit), then once down on the highway, was hit again by another vehicle driven by a 17-year-old driver. Police said they didn’t know which impact killed Tenley.

About the Author

Deborah Whistler

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights

Discover how fleet operators are impacted by challenges like driver onboarding delays and complex compliance, and the critical need for technology to boost efficiency and cut ...

Driving Growth: How to Manage More Freight

Ready to grow your trucking business? Whether you have 25 or 200 trucks, this guide offers practical tips and success stories to help you expand with confidence. Discover how ...

How to Maximize Fleet Management with Vehicle Bypass

Watch now to learn how truck weigh station bypass systems boost fleet performance and driver satisfaction.

Optimizing your fleet safety program using AI

Learn how AI supports fleet safety programs with tools for compliance monitoring, driver coaching and incident analysis to reduce risks and improve efficiency.