– Glacier National Park drowning
– Woman drowning Glacier National Park.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A devastating incident occurred near St. Mary Falls on the east side of Glacier National Park on Sunday, June 23, 2024, resulting in the tragic drowning of 26-year-old Gillian Tones from North Apollo, Pennsylvania. The park staff released a statement on Tuesday providing more details about the incident.
Details of the Incident
Initially, it was reported that Tones had entered the water above St. Mary Falls. However, witnesses later clarified that the young woman had slipped on wet, slick rocks and fallen into Virginia Creek, located between St. Mary and Virginia Falls, approximately 200 yards above the trail bridge.
Following her fall, Tones was swiftly carried away by the cold, fast-moving water, passing over a series of smaller waterfalls before becoming trapped underwater by a log for several minutes. Heroic efforts by other park visitors ultimately led to her rescue from the river.
Emergency Response
Multiple 911 calls were received by park dispatch, which were routed through Glacier County dispatch at around 5:20 pm. Park rangers quickly arrived on the scene by 5:45 pm, and an ALERT helicopter landed nearby at approximately 6:20 pm. Despite the combined efforts of bystanders, park rangers, ambulance personnel, and ALERT helicopter medics to resuscitate Tones, she sadly did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead by ALERT personnel around 7 pm.
Water Safety Reminder
The Glacier National Park Conservancy issued a poignant reminder on their website, highlighting water as the leading cause of fatalities within the park. Visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution near water bodies, as swift, cold glacial streams and rivers, moss-covered rocks, and slippery logs all pose significant dangers. The advisory specifically cautions against wading in or fording swift streams, walking, playing, or climbing on slippery rocks and logs, and standing up or leaning over the side while boating. Additionally, the importance of wearing a life jacket at all times is emphasised.
Gratitude for Support
The park staff expressed their gratitude towards Glacier County, ALERT, Babb Ambulance, and US Border Patrol for their swift response and assistance during the incident. They also extended their appreciation to the numerous bystanders who played a crucial role in the rescue efforts. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
.
– Woman drowned in Glacier National Park identified
– Woman drowned in Glacier National Park identified by authorities.
