Three individuals from Florida ended up in a hospital after falling into the waters of Glacier National Park while attempting to take photos.
Rangers at the Montana park received several satellite SOS signals concerning individuals who fell into Avalanche Creek on Sunday.
According to the Rangers, these three were posing for pictures along with a fourth person on some rocks overlooking the avalanche valley. When two of them attempted to assist the others, they ended up falling themselves.
One person managed to grab a tree branch, while the other two were “swept through the canyon.”
Before emergency crews arrived, it was reported that CPR was already being performed on the two individuals in the canyon. Bystanders were able to revive them, and they responded when the Rangers reached Avalanche Creek.
A ranger had to lower himself into the canyon to rescue a third individual. Following that, a technical rescue team was called in and was able to retrieve all three.
All three were in stable condition when they were taken to local hospitals.
Authorities noted that drownings are a significant concern in Glacier National Park, similar to other national parks.
Last summer, a 26-year-old man from India drowned in the park after being swept away by the currents of Avalanche Creek. On that same day, a 28-year-old man from Nepal also drowned at Sprague Creek. Friends informed the Rangers that he was not an experienced swimmer.
In June 2024, a 26-year-old woman from Pennsylvania fell near St. Mary’s Falls. Eyewitnesses reported that she slipped on wet rocks and fell into Virginia Creek, where she was submerged for several minutes before park visitors managed to pull her out. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of bystanders and emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
In 2023, a student from the University of Kansas also fell into Avalanche Creek from a rocky ledge and was swept away. Bystanders rescued her, but despite the immediate CPR, she was declared dead shortly thereafter.
An official from the park reminded visitors to be cautious around water. “Swift, cold glacial streams and slippery rocks pose dangers,” they stated. “It’s essential to avoid walking, playing, or climbing on slick surfaces, especially near waterfalls.”
