Indian Man’s Body Found in US National Park Creek after Drowning

Washington:

Guides at Glacier National Park have retrieved the remains of Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a 26-year-old from India who slipped into Avalanche Creek on July 6 and perished, as per a press release.

Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a technology professional residing in California, was trekking at the park with seven companions when he fell into Avalanche Creek.

In an announcement, Glacier National Park officials stated, “After an extensive search, guides at Glacier National Park believe they have located the body of 26-year-old Siddhant Vitthal Patil from India today after Patil slipped into Avalanche Creek on July 6, 2024, and drowned.”

The officials included, “Clothing and equipment similar to what, in accordance with friends, Patil was sporting during the occurrence were also discovered. Around 10:30 am today, a park visitor reported spotting a body in Avalanche Creek below the canyon. Guides promptly initiated recovery efforts. Flathead County coroner is working to authenticate identity through DNA or dental records.”

Guides suspected that the body was trapped underwater by submerged obstructions such as fallen trees or rocks, which hindered their ability to explore the canyon for weeks due to water depth and whitewater conditions during spring and summer runoff. Guides were only able to survey the broad sections of the canyon with lengthy poles after the water level decreased but could not access the deepest and most perilous areas.

Talking to ANI, Siddhant’s uncle, Pritesh Chaudhari, verified that US ranger officials had informed them of Siddhant’s body being discovered. He conveyed appreciation to the rangers for their search efforts and also thanked Indian American community leader Prem Bhandari, who has been backing the family throughout the search.

“We were notified by the US ranger officials that Siddhant’s body was found. As we are grappling with this sorrow, we also want to express our gratitude to the rangers for carrying out this exploration. A special acknowledgment to Prem Bhandari who has been in continuous communication with us for the last 27 days and supporting us. We have given authorization to Bhandari to arrange for Siddhant’s remains to be sent to Pune and complete the formalities,” Pritesh Chaudhari told ANI.

A prominent Indian expatriate, who is also aiding in repatriating the deceased body to India, Prem Bhandari, mentioned that park officials extended condolences to the family.

Speaking to ANI, Prem Bhandari stated, “When I spoke to the Park officials they offered condolences to the family and hoped that recovering the body would help bring closure to loved ones. The next step is to repatriate the mortal remains to the family who have been grieving for more than 28 days.”

As per a statement from Glacier National Park officials, the incident took place when Patil was hiking with friends above a canyon on the Avalanche Lake Trail on July 6. He had deviated from the trail and, while standing on a large rock, fell into Avalanche Creek. It is uncertain whether he slipped on a damp portion of the rock or lost his balance. Friends and witnesses observed him plunge into the creek, submerge, resurface momentarily, and then be carried away by the current into the canyon.

The statement added, “An alert helicopter conducted aerial searches of the creek, and guides combed the area on July 6, retrieving personal items that had drifted downstream. During the past four weeks, ground search efforts have persisted from the canyon to the bridge on the Trail of the Cedars.”

Guides utilized a drone multiple times to explore the canyon. The Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail were briefly shut during the recovery efforts and reopened around 3.30 p.m. (local time), as per the statement.

The park officials extended their condolences to Siddhant Vitthal Patil’s family and acquaintances and expressed hope that recovering the body would help bring closure to his loved ones. They noted that Mr. Patil was residing and working in California at the time of the incident.