Matthew Read, 19, was hiking in the park in Montana and had last been heard from Friday. He was hoisted to safety Monday and was stable, park officials said.
A 19-year-old hiker, Matthew Read, was rescued from Glacier National Park in Montana after being missing for several days. Read, who had last been heard from on Friday, was reported missing on Sunday. The National Park Service (NPS) launched a search, and a helicopter detected a heat signature on Monday night in a thickly forested part of the park. This led rescuers to the young hiker, who had slipped off a mountain trail.
According to NPS officials, Read had been hiking the Huckleberry Lookout trail when he lost his footing and slipped into deep snow on Huckleberry Mountain. In the process, he lost his phone, water bottle, and shoes, making it impossible for him to retrace his steps back to the trail. With no way to go back up, Read started descending, struggling with the snow and the rugged terrain.
At around 11 p.m. on Monday, a helicopter equipped with heat-detecting technology located Read’s position in the heavily wooded area. He was hoisted to safety and flown to an ambulance. The hiker was found to be in stable condition, and officials expressed relief that he had survived the ordeal.
Glacier National Park, which spans approximately 1,583 square miles of rugged mountainous terrain in northwestern Montana, is known for its challenging hiking trails and extreme weather conditions, making rescues in the area particularly difficult. Despite the difficulties, Read’s rescue marks a successful outcome for the team of first responders.
The park’s search and rescue operations are ongoing throughout the year, as hikers and adventurers are often drawn to its breathtaking views and remote wilderness. The successful recovery of Matthew Read highlights the importance of timely response and the use of modern technology in such remote locations.
In addition to the heroic rescue, park officials continue to urge visitors to take extra precautions while exploring the park’s backcountry. Hiking in the rugged conditions of Glacier National Park can be treacherous, and preparation is key to preventing accidents and ensuring safety during outdoor excursions.