Hiker's family thanks searchers in statement

The parents of Jackson Kreiser, the hiker who has been missing in Glacier National Park since July 28, have issued a statement thanking searchers and supporters.

“It is extremely difficult for us to imagine that we have lost our beautiful son, Jakson,” said Jeff and Ann Kreiser. “We believe that he has found the world’s greatest resting place. Jakson absolutely fell in love with Glacier National Park, all that it has to offer, as well as all of the people he came to know.”

A resident of Michigan, Kreiser, 19, was working his first summer in Glacier as an employee at Lake McDonald Lodge. He was on a day hike between Hidden Lake and Avalanche Lake. A search was launched when he failed to return, but after seven days, search operations have been scaled back considerably.

“On the 28th of July we were informed that Jakson had not returned from a day hike he took on the 27th,” the Kreisers said. “The days since this have obviously been the most difficult of our lives. The outpouring of love and prayers from our families, friends and strangers has touched deeply.

“Jakson and our family have been fortunate to have so many friends in Michigan. The love and support shown by all who attended his prayer vigil on Aug. 2 was overwhelming — we want to thank all that attended — we love you. We were also very grateful to get to know Jakson’s new friends at Glacier National Park and we will cherish our time with them.

“Throughout this difficult ordeal we feel blessed to have been embraced by the Glacier National Park family, to whom we would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks. These men and women have been concerned, caring, courageous and amazingly compassionate in their search for our Jakson. We also want to thank all of the extended family here at Glacier National Park including all of the assisting agencies and the folks at the Lake McDonald Lodge.”

The search for Kreiser has entered a “limited mode” where any new clues will be investigated as they come forward. An average of about 50 people were involved in the search on most days, including personnel with North Valley Search and Rescue, Flathead Search and Rescue, Can-Am Search and Rescue, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Border Patrol.