A 26-year-old woman has drowned after being swept over a waterfall and getting trapped under the gushing water for several minutes, officials said.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when authorities began receiving received multiple 911 calls routed through Glacier County dispatch at approximately 5:20 p.m. saying that an unnamed 26-year-old woman from Pennsylvania was swept over St. Mary’s Falls on the east side of Glacier National Park in Montana and fell approximately 35 feet into the water below, according to a statement from the National Park Service (NPS) released on Monday.
“According to witnesses, the woman was washed over the falls and trapped under water for several minutes,” NPS said. “Bystanders pulled her from the water below the falls and administered CPR until emergency responders arrived. Park rangers and Babb ambulance personnel took over CPR upon arrival.”
Park rangers were on the scene at 5:45 p.m., approximately 25 minutes after the incident was first reported, NPS said.
View from boat on Upper Waterton Lake.
National Park Service
An ALERT helicopter landed nearby shortly after for further support at about 6:20 pm and assisted with resuscitation efforts but the victim never regained consciousness.
“Resuscitation efforts were terminated at about 7 pm and ALERT personnel pronounced the woman deceased,” NPS said. “ALERT flew the body to the 1913 Ranger Station near St. Mary, MT where they were met by the Glacier County coroner at about 7:30 pm. The coroner is transporting the body to the medical examiner in Missoula, MT for an autopsy.”
The death is currently under investigation while additional details are still being gathered and the victim’s next of kin is currently being notified in advance of releasing the woman’s name.
“Park staff would like to thank Glacier County, ALERT, Babb Ambulance and US Border Patrol for their support, along with numerous bystanders for their immediate assistance,” NPS said. “The park extends their deepest condolences to family and friends of the woman and asks that the public respect their privacy.”
Glacier National Park is known for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls, but tragedy struck recently when a 26-year-old woman lost her life after falling over one of the park’s waterfalls. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can be present in nature, even in seemingly idyllic settings.
The woman, whose name has not been released, was hiking with a group of friends near the popular St. Mary Falls when she slipped and fell over the edge. Despite efforts by park rangers and emergency responders to rescue her, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of exercising caution and being aware of potential hazards while exploring the great outdoors. Waterfalls can be particularly treacherous, with slippery rocks and strong currents posing significant risks to hikers and visitors.
Park officials have issued a reminder to all visitors to stay on designated trails and follow safety guidelines when near waterfalls or other natural features. It is crucial to always be mindful of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure your own safety and the safety of those around you.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, Glacier National Park is working to enhance safety measures and educate visitors about the potential dangers of exploring the park’s rugged terrain. Park rangers are urging hikers to stay on marked trails, wear appropriate footwear, and avoid taking unnecessary risks while enjoying the park’s natural beauty.
As visitors continue to flock to Glacier National Park to experience its awe-inspiring landscapes and majestic waterfalls, it is essential to remember that nature can be unpredictable and unforgiving. By taking simple precautions and respecting the power of the wilderness, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that everyone can safely enjoy all that this remarkable park has to offer.
