Two men drowned in Glacier National Park over the July 4 holiday weekend, park officials reported. The tragic incidents involved a 26-year-old man from India and a 28-year-old man from Nepal, both of whom were vacationing with friends in the park.
The first incident occurred on Saturday morning when the 26-year-old man from India was hiking on the Avalanche Lake Trail. He ventured near Avalanche Creek, slipped on the rocks, and was caught in the cold, fast-moving water. Witnesses saw him go underwater and resurface briefly before being swept through a narrow gorge around 8:30 a.m. Despite efforts by a helicopter crew and park rangers, the man’s body has not been recovered. The creek’s high water levels, due to snowmelt runoff, have created poor visibility and hazardous conditions, leading to a scaled-back search effort. Rangers continue to monitor the area.
The man, who was living and working in California, was in the park on vacation with friends. His tragic accident underscores the dangers posed by the park’s natural features, especially during periods of high water flow.
Later that same day, another tragedy struck. A 28-year-old man from Nepal was swimming with friends in Lake McDonald near Sprague Creek Campground. According to his friends, he was an inexperienced swimmer. He was about 30 yards from shore when he began to struggle and went underwater around 6:25 p.m. The lake is shallower near the edge, but there is a significant drop-off in the area where the man went under, explained park spokeswoman Gina Icenoggle. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office dive team recovered his body from 35 to 40 feet of water at approximately 8:20 p.m.
The man from Nepal was living and working in Portland, Oregon, and was also on vacation with friends. His drowning highlights the risks associated with swimming in natural bodies of water, particularly for those who are not strong swimmers.
Park officials have reached out to the consulates of Nepal and India to assist in contacting the victims’ families. The names of the deceased have not been released to the public.
Drowning is the leading cause of death in Glacier National Park, officials noted. The park’s rugged terrain, cold water temperatures, and swift currents can create perilous conditions for visitors. These recent incidents serve as a somber reminder of the importance of exercising caution and being aware of one’s surroundings while enjoying the natural beauty of the park.
Visitors to Glacier National Park are encouraged to stay on designated trails, avoid getting too close to fast-moving water, and be mindful of their swimming abilities when entering lakes and rivers. The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, but safety should always be a top priority.
The park’s management continues to emphasize the need for preparedness and awareness among visitors. They recommend that hikers wear appropriate footwear, carry maps, and be aware of weather conditions. Swimmers should stay within designated areas, use life jackets if necessary, and never swim alone.
The tragic deaths of these two young men have cast a shadow over what is typically a festive holiday weekend in the park. As the community mourns their loss, park officials hope that increased awareness and caution will help prevent future accidents.
Glacier National Park remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning landscapes and a wide range of activities. However, the natural beauty of the park comes with inherent risks. By respecting the power of nature and taking appropriate precautions, visitors can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The park’s rangers and staff are dedicated to maintaining the safety and well-being of all visitors. They continue to monitor conditions and provide guidance to help prevent accidents. The recent drownings serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and respect for the natural environment.
As the summer season continues, park officials urge all visitors to prioritize safety and remain aware of the potential hazards. By doing so, they can honor the memory of those who have lost their lives and help ensure that Glacier National Park remains a place of wonder and adventure for generations to come.
Source: Holly Diehl, ABC 17 News, AP
