📷 Image Credits: Montana Right Now
Tragedy struck Glacier National Park in Montana over the July 4 holiday weekend as two young men lost their lives due to drowning incidents. Siddhant Vitthal Patil (26) from India and Raju Jha (28) from Nepal tragically drowned while visiting the Park on July 6, 2024. Patil was hiking along Avalanche Lake Trail when he slipped and fell into Avalanche Creek. Authorities believe he may have slipped on a wet portion of the rock or lost his balance, leading to the tragic accident witnessed by his friends. Despite extensive search efforts, including aerial and ground searches, Patil’s body has not been recovered yet. There are suspicions that submerged obstacles in the creek may be hindering the recovery process.
Jha, an inexperienced swimmer, was swimming in Lake McDonald when he encountered difficulties and went underwater, never resurfacing. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office dive team later located and retrieved his body from the lake. Both men were living and working in the United States, with Patil in California and Jha in Oregon. The tragic incidents have once again highlighted the dangers of water-related activities in national parks.
Glacier National Park officials have reiterated the importance of water safety, especially for visitors engaging in activities near rivers, lakes, and creeks. Drowning remains the leading cause of death in the park, underscoring the need for caution and awareness while enjoying the natural beauty of Glacier National Park. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Siddhant Vitthal Patil and Raju Jha, as they mourn the loss of their loved ones in these unfortunate accidents.
