Glacier National Park in north‑western Montana was the scene of a dramatic rescue on Aug. 13 when Ken Nurse, a visitor from out of state, fell more than 120 feet from an overlook into McDonald Creek. Nurse was traveling with his wife, Renae, and a group of family and friends when they stopped near McDonald Falls to take photographs.
While moving closer to the edge for a better view, the ground beneath Nurse gave way. He tumbled down a steep cliff and landed face‑down in the fast‑moving water below. A bystander who witnessed the fall entered the creek, pulled Nurse into shallower water and began chest compressions after realizing he was not breathing.
Rescue response
Park rangers arrived quickly and began providing assistance, but the remote location required additional resources. Two Bear Air Rescue, a Montana‑based helicopter search‑and‑rescue organization, dispatched a crew to the scene. A crew member was lowered from the helicopter into the creek, secured Nurse, and hoisted him aboard. He was then transferred to a waiting medical helicopter for transport to a hospital.
The rescue team praised the quick actions of the civilian rescuer, noting that the bystander’s CPR and effort to keep Nurse afloat were critical to his survival. “We commend the quick action of the bystander whose actions saved the victim’s life,” Two Bear Air Rescue wrote in a Facebook post accompanying video of the operation.
Injuries and recovery
Ken Nurse spent two days on a ventilator after the incident. He suffered multiple cracked ribs, a compound fracture to his elbow that required surgery, and fluid in his lungs. Despite the severity of his injuries, Nurse expressed gratitude to those who helped him. “I just want everyone who helped me out to get the things they deserve. Because I should not be here right now,” he said.
His son posted a thank‑you message on Facebook, calling the rescue crew “brave” and thanking them for saving his father’s life.
Safety reminder
The incident underscores the importance of staying on designated trails and maintaining a safe distance from cliff edges, especially near waterfalls where terrain can be unstable. Visitors to Glacier National Park and other natural areas are encouraged to heed ranger warnings and to be prepared to assist others in emergencies.
Glacier National Park officials did not provide additional comment beyond confirming that the rescue operation was successful and that the park continues to monitor safety conditions around popular photo spots such as McDonald Falls.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
