WEST GLACIER PARK, MONTANA (TIP): Authorities at Glacier National Park have confirmed that a body recovered on Saturday, August 3, in Avalanche Creek is believed to be that of Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a 26-year-old hiker from India who tragically fell into the creek and drowned on July 6, 2024. The recovery brings a somber close to weeks of intense search efforts that began immediately after the incident.
The discovery was made around 10:30 AM when a park visitor reported seeing a body in the creek below the gorge. Rangers responded quickly and initiated recovery efforts, which were successful in retrieving the body. Clothing and gear matching those worn by Patil on the day of the incident were also found at the scene. The Flathead County coroner is now working to confirm the identity through DNA or dental records. The search for Patil was hampered by dangerous conditions in Avalanche Creek. Submerged obstacles like fallen trees and rocks, along with the high-water levels and swift currents characteristic of spring and summer runoff, made it difficult for rangers to access certain parts of the gorge. Despite these challenges, rangers utilized long poles and drones in their search efforts. As water levels receded, they were able to probe deeper sections of the gorge, leading to today’s discovery.
Patil’s fall occurred while he was hiking with friends along the Avalanche Lake Trail. According to witnesses, he diverted from the trail and, while standing on a large rock above the gorge, either slipped or lost his balance, falling into the creek below. He was briefly seen resurfacing before being swept away by the strong current into the gorge, from where he did not emerge.
Search efforts have been ongoing since the day of the accident, with aerial searches conducted by ALERT helicopters and ground searches by rangers. Despite these extensive efforts, Patil’s body remained elusive until today, with only some personal items being recovered downstream in the weeks following the incident.
The tragedy was compounded by the drowning of another visitor, 28-year-old Raju Jha from Nepal, on the same day. Jha, who had been living in Oregon, drowned while swimming in Lake McDonald near Sprague Creek Campground.
Patil had been residing and working in California before his visit to Glacier National Park. The park’s officials have expressed their deepest condolences to Patil’s family and friends, hoping that the recovery of his body brings some measure of closure to those who knew and loved him.
The Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail were temporarily closed during today’s recovery efforts but were reopened to the public by mid-afternoon.