HELENA, MT – Authorities are currently searching for Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, two men from Eureka, Oregon, after they reportedly lost control of a snowmobile and plunged over a cliff near Whitefish, Montana, earlier this morning. The incident, which occurred approximately 15 miles east of the town, has sparked a large-scale search and rescue operation involving local law enforcement, the Montana National Guard, and volunteer search teams.

Initial reports indicate that Christmas and Dunne were attempting to navigate a particularly challenging stretch of logging road while transporting a shipment of Christmas trees to a client in Whitefish. Witnesses claim the pair were operating the snowmobile with a notable lack of experience, and were reportedly engaged in a spirited debate regarding the optimal method for transporting the trees. “They were arguing about whether to lay the trees flat or stack ‘em like pancakes,” recounted local resident Dale Peterson, who observed the incident from his porch. “Sounded like a real circus to me.”

The snowmobile, a vintage Arctic Cat, reportedly went over the precipice, disappearing into a heavily wooded ravine. Search and rescue teams are facing significant challenges due to the rugged terrain and recent snowfall. “It’s a treacherous area,” stated Montana National Guard spokesperson Captain Sarah Miller at a press briefing this afternoon. “We’ve deployed helicopters and ground teams, but visibility is limited, and the snow is deep. We’re focusing on areas where we believe the snowmobile may have landed.”

The fate of Christmas and Dunne remains unknown. Local police have issued a statement urging the public to refrain from attempting to locate the pair themselves, citing the dangers of the area. “We appreciate the concern, but this is a serious situation,” the statement read. “We need to prioritize the safety of our search teams and the public. Let the professionals handle this.”

Adding to the confusion, a local diner owner, Betty Lou, stated, “I heard Harry say, ‘Well, Lloyd, looks like we’re going to be spending Christmas in the woods!’” when he reported the incident. It’s unclear if this was a genuine observation or simply a reflection of the duo’s characteristic lack of seriousness. The search continues, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.