06/08/07

MEDORA, N.D. (AP) - A former Montana Tech football player was found dead from a gunshot wound near his pickup in a remote area of the North Dakota Badlands, authorities say.

Billings County Sheriff Dave Jurgens said the body of Jens Jensen, 24, was found Tuesday about 5 miles south of Medora.

Jurgens would not say if authorities believe Jensen was the victim of a crime.

"He is dead from a gunshot wound, an autopsy is pending and the investigation is ongoing," Jurgens said Thursday.

Jensen's body was found about 30 yards from his pickup, which was about a half-mile from the nearest road, Jurgens said.

"He was kind of accidentally discovered by a helicopter in the area that happened to see his vehicle," Jurgens said.

The helicopter pilot that spotted Jensen's vehicle and called authorities was working in the area checking power lines.

"His pickup would not normally have been seen by regular traffic because it was off the road a ways in some pretty rough country - it is the Badlands," Jurgens said.

"We have no idea why he was in the area," he added. "It's possible he was in the Dickinson area visiting friends."

Jensen's body was sent to Bismarck for an autopsy.

Jensen, from Missoula, Mont., was a Tech running back who completed his senior season of eligibility last fall. He studied petroleum engineering and had one semester remaining before graduation, school officials said.

Tech football coach Bob Green said Jensen "touched everyone in our operation with his caring for his teammates and devotion to the team."

Green said Jensen, who also played special teams, had 18 carries for 103 yards and four receptions for 68 yards in his Tech career, along with nine unassisted tackles and 12 assists.

Green said the highlight of Jensen's career was in 2005 when he recovered a blocked punt on the 1-yard line, which led to the winning touchdown against Rocky Mountain College.