Hoax.

Charges were filed today against Thomas Gantree, aka "Chief Spottedhorse," for conspiracy to commit fraud including falsifying his own demise. Gantree is a longtime con artist with a history of pretending to native american ancestry in order to sell fake oils and cures to locals. He was reported missing by his wife Helena, who was also arrested, over a month ago when his Ford Pinto was found washed ashore on the Smoke River, but whatever scam the couple intended here remains unclear.