Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund Killed in Plane Crash South of Billings
BILLINGS, Mont. — Yellowstone County is mourning the loss of longtime County Commissioner John Ostlund, who tragically died in a plane crash Thursday afternoon. The single-engine aircraft went down in the 6100 block of Blue Creek Road, just south of Billings.
Fellow Commissioner Mark Morse confirmed Ostlund’s death to MTN News. County officials have notified his family. As of Thursday evening, authorities had not released information on whether anyone else was aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Records show that the plane’s registered owner shares an address with Ostlund’s residence, although the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Sheriff Mike Linder confirmed one fatality from the incident but did not release further details about the crash or any other potential victims.
Ostlund, a Republican, was a fixture in local government, first elected to the Yellowstone County Commission in 2002. At the time of his passing, he was serving his sixth term and had been commission president multiple times. He also held the role of President of the Montana Association of Counties, where he was widely respected for his leadership and dedication to public service.
Known for his thoughtful decision-making and steady presence, Ostlund’s influence stretched far beyond Yellowstone County. His decades of service left a lasting impact on the region’s infrastructure, economic development, and community policies.
He is survived by his wife, Kristie, and their five adult children.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to investigate the cause of the crash in the coming days. As the community grapples with the sudden loss, tributes are beginning to pour in for a man many regarded as a pillar of Montana’s public service.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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