Glacier National Park authorities, in a statement released on July.10 have identified the two individuals who tragically drowned in separate incidents at Glacier National Park on July.6.
The victims are Siddhant Vitthal Patil, 26, from India, and Raju Jha, 28, from Nepal. According to the park authorities despite extensive aerial and ground searches by rangers and an ALERT helicopter, Patil has not yet been found and is presumed dead.
Originally from Maharashtra, Patil was working as a technology professional in California. He was hiking above the gorge on Avalanche Lake Trail when he diverted from the path and climbed onto a large rock.
Witnesses reported that he fell into Avalanche Creek, possibly after slipping or losing his balance on the wet surface. Friends and bystanders saw him go underwater and resurface briefly before being swept away by the strong current into the gorge.
According to the news release, Rangers continue to monitor the area and have recovered some of Patil’s personal items downstream. A drone was deployed to aid in locating his body but yielded no results.
The search is hindered by the creek's depth, turbulence, and submerged obstacles, which likely include fallen trees and rocks, the authorities noted.
According to media reports, Patil texted his mother just hours before the tragic incident, informing her that he would be returning to San Jose, where he worked with Cadence Design Systems, in another three days.
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