Pennsylvania woman drowns near Glacier's St. Mary Falls

Sunday afternoon, a 26-year-old Pennsylvania woman drowned after falling into the water above St. Mary Falls on the east side of Glacier National Park.

According to witnesses, the woman was washed over the falls and trapped under water for several minutes. Bystanders pulled her from the water below the falls and administered CPR until emergency responders arrived. 

Park rangers and Babb ambulance personnel took over CPR upon arrival. An A.L.E.R.T. helicopter landed nearby at about 6:20 p.m. and crew members assisted with resuscitation efforts but the victim never regained consciousness. Resuscitation efforts were terminated at about 7 p.m. and A.L.E.R.T. personnel pronounced the woman deceased.

Park dispatch received multiple 911 calls routed through Glacier County dispatch at approximately 5:20 p.m. Park rangers were on the scene by approximately 5:45 pm.

A.L.E.R.T. flew the body to the 1913 Ranger Station near St. Mary, where they were met by the Glacier County coroner at about 7:30 p.m. The coroner is transporting the body to the medical examiner in Missoula for an autopsy.

The death is under investigation and additional details are still being gathered. Next of kin is currently being notified in advance of releasing the woman’s name.

Park staff thanked Glacier County, ALERT, Babb Ambulance and U.S. Border Patrol for their support, along with numerous bystanders for their immediate assistance.

The park extends their deepest condolences to family and friends of the woman and asks that the public respect their privacy.