Rescue and Recovery: Man Survives Fall at Glacier National Park

A man named Ken Nurse survived a dangerous fall into McDonald Creek at Glacier National Park. His survival was made possible by the quick intervention of a Good Samaritan. Nurse, who was visiting the park in Montana with his family and friends, fell from a viewpoint on August 13. According to Two Bear Air Rescue, a Montana helicopter search-and-rescue group, he went over several waterfalls before landing in the creek.

After witnessing the fall, a bystander entered the creek and saw Nurse face down in the water. The bystander quickly moved Nurse to shallower waters and began chest compressions, as Nurse was not breathing. These swift actions were vital in saving Nurse’s life.

Ken Nurse’s wife, Renae, mentioned that the family had stopped to take pictures near McDonald Falls. Nurse ventured closer to the edge for a better view when the ground gave way, causing him to plummet approximately 120 feet into the creek. Glacier National Park rangers attended to him in the water until the Two Bear Air Rescue team arrived.

Video footage shows a crew member of the rescue team being lowered from a helicopter to secure Nurse before airlifting him. He was then transported to a medical helicopter for stabilization and taken to a hospital.

The Two Bear Air Rescue team praised the bystander’s life-saving efforts. Nurse required a ventilator for two days due to serious injuries, including multiple cracked ribs, a compound fracture in his elbow that needed surgery, and fluid in his lungs.

“I want everyone who helped me to get the recognition they deserve because I shouldn’t be here right now,” Nurse stated, expressing his gratitude.

Fox News Digital reached out to Glacier National Park for further comments and details.