A climber, who was reported missing last week, has been found after what appears to have been a fatal fall at Glacier National Park.
According to Fox News, Grant Marcuccio was located, deceased, on Sunday in Glacier. The 32-year-old from Whitefish, Montana was first reported to have been missing from his hiking group on August 18th. The National Park Service reported that while the cause of death is still "under investigation," the location of the body, as well as the "traumatic injuries," are indicative of a fatal fall.
The NPS continued that Marcuccio's body was first seen from the air. The body was about "one-third of a mile east of McPartland Peak." Moreover, the NPS released via official statement that Marcuccio had split from the hiking group to summit McPartland Peak on his own. Originally, he had planned to rendezvous with the group after his summit. Marcuccio never made it to the rendezvous. At that point, he was reported as missing by the hiking party.
The NPS concluded with condolences from Glacier staff to the family and asked for privacy from the public.
Missing Hiker in Glacier Found Deceased After Apparent Fall
Search efforts for Marcuccio began last Monday, the 19th, and continued until he was found to have tragically died. In the search efforts, rescuers utilized rangers and search teams, as well as two Bear Air Rescue flights.
As has been the case all summer, stories of tragedy have been a bit of commonplace for hikers in America's national parks. Glacier, which is known for its beautiful views, can get dangerous, and do so quickly. The park's website warns visitors that "mountain weather is unpredictable," and stresses the importance of always being prepared for sudden changes in environmental conditions.
Marcuccio's hiking tragedy is reminiscent of that which occurred in Canyonlands earlier this summer. There, a father and daughter became lost, and died due to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Moreover, in Arizona, extreme heat played a role in a father's passing near the Parson's trailhead.
America's National Parks are beautiful and should be enjoyed. But visitors must always be cautious, and weary of weather changes, and dangerous hikes.
