Nicholas Olson-Hartley and Katie Olson-Hartley Kalispell Death: Montana Man Fatally Kills Wife and Young Child Before Taking His Own Life in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Kalispell, Montana — May 12, 2025 — Authorities in Flathead County have released disturbing new details in the tragic case of a suspected double murder-suicide that unfolded in Kalispell last week, leaving a family of three dead and a quiet Montana community reeling in shock.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday that 36-year-old Nicholas Olson-Hartley fatally shot his wife, Katie Olson-Hartley, 34, and their 5-year-old daughter, before taking his own life inside the family’s home. The grim incident was first reported on the morning of Thursday, May 8, when Nicholas himself made a brief, chilling 911 call just moments before ending his own life.

A Chilling Discovery

Deputies responded to the Olson-Hartley residence located in a suburban neighborhood just outside Kalispell shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Thursday. According to the sheriff’s department, the call made by Nicholas was “brief and disjointed,” but enough information was provided to prompt an immediate response. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered all three family members deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

Sheriff Brian Heino described the scene as “heartbreaking and deeply unsettling.” He added, “This was a family that, from the outside, appeared to be living a quiet, typical life. But inside that home, something went very wrong.”

Victims Identified

Katie Olson-Hartley, a beloved elementary school teacher at Edgerton Elementary School in Kalispell, was described by friends and colleagues as warm, patient, and deeply devoted to her students and her daughter. She had worked in the Kalispell Public Schools system for nearly a decade and was active in community and church activities.

The couple’s daughter, whose name is being withheld at the request of surviving family members, had just completed preschool and was set to enter kindergarten in the fall. Neighbors recalled seeing the young girl playing outside frequently and described her as “bright, cheerful, and always smiling.”

What We Know About the Suspect

Nicholas Olson-Hartley was employed as a technician at a local utility company and had no prior criminal record. However, investigators have learned that he had recently been struggling with mental health issues. According to friends and extended family, he had withdrawn socially over the past year and was reportedly experiencing significant financial strain and emotional distress.

While no formal note was found at the scene, authorities discovered several journal entries on Nicholas’s personal laptop, which revealed troubling signs of despair, paranoia, and hopelessness. Law enforcement officials say they are continuing to analyze these writings as part of their ongoing investigation.

“Nothing can fully explain the horror of what happened, but we believe Nicholas was in a severely deteriorated mental state in the days leading up to the tragedy,” said Sheriff Heino. “Unfortunately, those closest to him may not have realized the extent of his crisis.”

Community in Mourning

News of the incident has sent shockwaves through the Kalispell community. Vigils have already been held outside Edgerton Elementary, where colleagues and parents gathered to remember Katie and offer prayers for the young child’s memory. Many expressed disbelief that something so devastating could occur in their small, tight-knit town.

“We are absolutely devastated by the loss of Katie and her daughter,” said school principal Laura Ketchum. “Katie brought light and learning to our classrooms every day. Her loss leaves a void we may never fill.”

Local clergy, mental health counselors, and school psychologists have been made available to help students, faculty, and community members process the tragedy.

A Larger Conversation

The incident has reignited local and statewide conversations about the importance of mental health awareness and early intervention, particularly among men who may be suffering in silence. Montana has long struggled with high suicide rates, particularly among middle-aged men and veterans. Experts say this tragedy further underscores the need for accessible mental health resources, destigmatization, and proactive community support.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder that we need to check in on one another,” said mental health advocate and therapist Dr. Monica Reeves. “People need to know it’s okay to ask for help, and we need to build systems that reach out before it’s too late.”

Investigation Continues

Though the sheriff’s office has ruled the case a murder-suicide, a full investigation is still underway. Autopsies have been completed, and toxicology reports are pending. Authorities say there is no indication of outside involvement or additional threats to the community.

The Olson-Hartley family’s relatives have asked for privacy as they grapple with the unimaginable loss.

In a statement released through a local pastor, the family said:
“We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful Katie and her daughter, and we are still in disbelief over the circumstances. We ask for prayers and compassion as we try to understand and heal from this tragedy.”

Funeral services for Katie and her daughter are being planned, with details expected to be shared later this week. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the extended family with burial costs and grief counseling efforts.

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Help is available 24/7.