West Yellowstone Community Invited to Honor Officer Ashlee Stoneburner and Raise Awareness for Mental Health

For immediate release: Dec. 30, 2024

Media contact:
Whitney Bermes, Public Information Officer
406-595-8963 (cell)
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov

West Yellowstone Community Invited to Honor Officer Ashlee Stoneburner
and Raise Awareness for Mental Health

The West Yellowstone Police Department continues to mourn the tragic loss of Officer Ashlee Stoneburner, who died by suicide on December 24. As we come together to honor Ashlee’s life and service, we invite the community to join us in remembering her dedication and compassion for our residents.

Ashlee, 26, grew up in Springfield, Oregon, and joined the West Yellowstone Police Department in April 2022. During her time with the department, she served as a school resource officer, Taser instructor, Crisis Intervention Team-certified officer, and evidence technician. Before joining the department, Ashlee gained valuable experience working in both Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks. She is survived by her father, aunt, two brothers, and grandmother.

On Monday, Dec. 30, local law enforcement will escort Ashlee from Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service in Bozeman to the West Yellowstone Police Department. The procession is expected to arrive at the junction of U.S. 191 and U.S. 287 at approximately 2:30 p.m. depending on the weather and road conditions. As the vehicles pass the junction and head into town, they will have their emergency lights activated. They will proceed along Canyon Street to the police department on Yellowstone Ave., arriving around 3 p.m. where Ashlee will rest in dispatch until her memorial service. Community members are encouraged to line this route to pay their respects. Ashlee will be brought home in her patrol car, which will be moved from its current location at the park. On Tuesday, during the service, her patrol car will be parked at the school as a tribute.

The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 11 AM at the West Yellowstone School gymnasium. Mental health professionals will be available on Tuesday at both the school and at the Povah Community Center to provide support to community members. Food and beverages will be offered.

For those unable to attend, we are working on a livestream of the service. We will share those details when they are finalized.

Due to recent heavy snow fall, available parking for the service will be spread over several locations.

For Ashlee’s family and mourners with mobility issues, reserved parking will be in front of the elementary school on school grounds, accessed via Geyser Street.

Other areas available for parking are:

Along the west side of the high school, accessed by driving north on Geyser Street.
Limited parking north of the football field along DeLacy Avenue.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located on the corner of Gibbon Avenue and Faithful Street.
Along Parkway D
Along Gibbon Avenue

Please do not block fire hydrants, private driveways, or intersections. Troopers from Montana Highway Patrol will be in the area assisting with traffic control and advising attendees of available locations to park.

Prior to Tuesday’s service, a law enforcement procession will bring Ashlee from the West Yellowstone Police Department to the school prior to the service. Starting at 10 AM, the procession will head east on Yellowstone Ave. to Canyon St., turn north on Canyon St. to intersection, then turn west on U.S. Highway20/Firehole Ave. and continue to Geyser St.

Ashlee’s family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to Blue H.E.L.P. (bluehelp.org), an organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers and their families affected by trauma and loss.

“The tragic loss of Ashlee serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of mental health for everyone, especially those who serve on the front lines of our community,” said West Yellowstone Police Chief Chris Wigner. “First responders are human, just like everyone else, and often face immense pressure and trauma in their roles, making mental health resources and support systems essential.”

Chief Wigner continued, “This heartbreaking incident underscores the need for open conversations about mental health and greater access to care for those in crisis. As a community, we must come together to reduce stigma, promote awareness, and ensure that help is available to anyone who needs it. Let this moment inspire action to support the well-being of all, particularly those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others.”

In times of crisis, it’s vital to know that help is just a phone call or text away. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a confidential, 24/7 resource available to anyone experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, or a mental health crisis. By dialing 988, individuals are connected to trained counselors who provide compassionate support and assistance. Whether you are struggling personally or are concerned about someone else, the 988 Lifeline is there to listen and help. We encourage everyone in our community to save this number and share it widely—it could save a life.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and neighboring agencies during this difficult time. Your kindness and solidarity mean so much to our officers, dispatchers, and Ashlee’s family.

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