Great Falls, Montana – A tragic incident unfolded at Glacier National Park on Sunday afternoon as a 26-year-old woman lost her life after being swept over a waterfall and trapped beneath the rushing water for several minutes. Authorities were alerted to the situation through multiple 911 calls, marking a harrowing rescue effort.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), the woman from Pennsylvania was swept over St. Mary’s Falls on the park’s east side and plummeted approximately 35 feet into the water below. Witnesses reported that she was submerged for an extended period before bystanders were able to pull her to safety. Despite immediate CPR efforts, the woman could not be revived.
Park rangers and emergency personnel arrived swiftly on the scene to continue life-saving measures, but tragically, the woman did not regain consciousness. An ALERT helicopter provided aerial support for resuscitation attempts, but these efforts were ceased at 7 pm, with the victim being pronounced deceased on-site.
The NPS expressed gratitude towards the various agencies and individuals involved in the rescue operation, highlighting the collaboration between Glacier County, ALERT, Babb Ambulance, and US Border Patrol. As investigations into the incident continue, authorities are working diligently to gather additional information while informing the victim’s next of kin before releasing her identity publicly.
The park service extended heartfelt condolences to the woman’s family and friends, urging the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers present in natural environments, underscoring the importance of safety precautions and vigilance when enjoying outdoor activities.