Man Rescued After Fall into McDonald Creek at Glacier National Park

A man named Ken Nurse survived a significant fall into McDonald Creek at Glacier National Park with the vital help of a nearby bystander. Nurse, who was visiting the park in Montana with family and friends, fell from an overlook and tumbled over a series of waterfalls on August 13, as reported by Two Bear Air Rescue, a rescue organization based in Montana.

The remarkable story unfolded when a witness noticed Nurse lying face down in the creek. Recognizing the emergency, this bystander entered the water, moved Nurse to shallower waters, and began chest compressions upon realizing Nurse was not breathing, stated Two Bear Air Rescue on social media.

Nurse’s wife, Renae, disclosed that their group stopped near McDonald Falls for photos. She returned to the vehicle to warm up while Nurse edged closer to the precipice for a better view. Tragically, the ground beneath him gave way, resulting in a 120-foot descent into the creek. Glacier National Park rangers were assisting Nurse in the creek when Two Bear Air Rescue arrived with their helicopter.

Visual footage captured during the rescue operation shows a crew member being lowered from the helicopter to evacuate Nurse. Once secured, he was swiftly hoisted from the water and transferred to a medical helicopter for further stabilization and transportation to a hospital.

Nurse, though gravely injured, benefited significantly from the bystander’s quick response. Nurse required a two-day stint on a ventilator, endured multiple cracked ribs, a compound fracture in his elbow necessitating surgery, and developed fluid in his lungs, according to NonStop Local Montana.

Expressing deep appreciation for those who played roles in his survival, Nurse shared, “I owe everyone my life and I want that to be known.” His family also extended gratitude, with his son publicly thanking the rescue team for successfully rescuing his father.