Hiker's body recovered from Glacier Park
The body of a 27-year-old hiker was successfully recovered from a high alpine location at the southern end of Glacier National Park Saturday morning.
Jacob “Jake” Rigby’s body was found Friday on a mountain known as “8888.” An initial investigation indicated Rigby may have fallen about 800 feet on the north side of the extremely steep mountain.
Rigby’s family released the following statement: “Thank you for all the kind thoughts and prayers contributed for our son and brother Jake. Special thanks to the National Park Service and all the search and recovery personnel for their dedication, support and professionalism.”
Glacier National Park Chief Ranger and Incident Commander Mark Foust said the task of recovering Rigby’s body was a tough one.
“It was an extremely challenging incident because of the steep and treacherous location,” he said in a prepared statement. “We are fortunate to have skilled pilots and crews with Minuteman Aviation, U.S. Forest Service and Parks Canada.”
A helicopter, pilot and park wardens from Waterton Lakes National Park were used to recover the body from the high, steep mountain, according to the park service.
“The park wardens from Waterton are highly skilled and specialized to conduct an alpine recovery of this nature,” Foust said. “We are very appreciative of their assistance.”
Foust also expressed great appreciation to Flathead National Forest aviation staff and Flathead Valley Search and Rescue for assisting with the effort and their dedication and professionalism.
The extensive search effort began Monday after Rigby was overdue from a personal day hike in the park. More than 50 people helped with the search efforts, including 31 people who searched and camped overnight in the steep and treacherous terrain. Flathead Valley Search and Rescue and Flathead National Forest also helped search.
Rigby worked for the exotic plant team at the park for the past three summers. He also worked at other National Park Service sites during the winter season.