Two tragic drownings occurred in Glacier National Park during the July 4 holiday weekend, as announced by park officials. The first incident involved a 26-year-old man from India who slipped on rocks near Avalanche Creek while hiking on Avalanche Lake Trail. He was swept away by the cold, fast-moving water at around 8:30 a.m. despite briefly resurfacing. Efforts to locate his body in the narrow gorge where he disappeared have been hindered by high water levels due to snowmelt runoff. Search operations have been reduced due to hazardous conditions while park rangers continue to monitor the area.
The Indian man, who was vacationing with friends in the park, resided and worked in California.
Later on, a 28-year-old man from Nepal drowned while swimming with friends in Lake McDonald near Sprague Creek Campground on Saturday evening. Being an inexperienced swimmer, he encountered difficulties about 30 yards from shore and went underwater at approximately 6:25 p.m. Despite the lake being shallower near the edge, there is a significant drop-off where the man disappeared. His body was recovered by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office dive team in 35 to 40 feet of water at around 8:20 p.m.
The Nepalese man, who was vacationing with friends in the park, lived and worked in Portland, Oregon. Both victims’ families are being sought through assistance from the Nepal and India consulates, although their identities have not been disclosed. It is noted that drowning is the primary cause of death in Glacier National Park, as highlighted by park officials.
