GLACIER NATIONAL PARK (NMB) – A search and rescue underway in Glacier National Park for two local men reported overdue from a climb on Dusty Star Mountain ended Morning morning when Minuteman Aviation located the bodies of the two deceased climbers.
The climbers were a 67-year-old male from Columbia Falls, and a 67-year-old male from Kalispell. The names of the climbers are being withheld until family members can be notified.
The men were climbing Dusty Star Mountain and initiated the trip on July 21st with the plan to hike out July 22nd. They were reported missing on July 24th and park rangers located their vehicle at the trailhead on the same day.
An air search began on July 24th in the Dusty Star Mountain area on the east side route of approach where vegetation is extremely dense with potentially dangerous terrain. Two Bear Air flew on July 24th in daylight and darkness. Minuteman Aviation took over Monday morning and located the bodies of the climbers. A plan is underway for recovery of the bodies and the climbers’ belongings.
Park staff would like to express their deepest condolences to the families and ask that the public respect the families’ privacy.
Courtesy of Glacier National Park
