Hiker Who Suffered Fatal Fall at Glacier Identified

National Park News

A 30-year-old Nebraska man fell from a snowfield on the popular Grinnell Glacier hike in Many Glacier Valley.

By New West Editor, 7-19-11



	An early part of the trail to Grinnell Glacier. The hiker fell from a snowfield toward the top of the hike. Photo by Jule Banville.

The hiker involved in a fatal fall on Monday, July 18, in Glacier National Park has been identified as 30-year old Nicholas Ryan from Omaha, Nebraska.

Ryan and two friends were hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail in the Many Glacier Valley when Ryan fell 50 to 100 feet on a steep snowfield.

At approximately 11:50 a.m. that day, an interpretive park ranger leading a hike on the trail received a report of a male hiker who had taken a slide and needed medical assistance. Initial reports indicated he’d suffered head injuries.

National Park Service Rangers, Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s ALERT helicopter and Minuteman Aviation responded.

Medical personnel pronounced Ryan dead at 1:53 p.m. Monday. The Glacier County Coroner’s Office is establishing the cause of death and the National Park Service is conducting an investigation of the incident.

Visitors to Glacier National Park are reminded that snow and ice still exist on some trails, and travel in some areas is not advised. Trails may traverse steep and sometimes icy snowfields and hikers are strongly advised to have the appropriate equipment and skills on how to use the equipment.

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By New West Editor, 7-19-11 | comments (2) | email story | print story

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Comments

By Carter Young, 7-19-11

Years ago, I took a friend on this trail in similar conditions. We had ice axes and lugged mountaineering boots, and I made my friend practice self arrests from all angles before we passed the sign warning of the potential fatal conditions. I'm glad that we had the practice session, because my friend did take a slip. On that day, several people wearing Tevas followed our path through the snow, and we had to help them turn around on a very exposed snow slope--they were literally shaking with fear. It's a wonder that accidents like this don't occur more often.

By Kraston Scott (Bellevue NE), 7-19-11

Appreciate your comments Carter on the dangers of hiking in this area. It has been many years since I've attempted any hikes like this and I understand the dangers involved. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Ryan.

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