Body of Indian youth who fell into Avalanche Creek recovered
What's the story
The body of Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a 26-year-old Indian tech professional based in California, has been recovered from Glacier National Park after weeks of extensive search efforts.
Patil had fallen into Avalanche Creek while hiking with friends on July 6.
"Clothing and gear similar to what, according to friends, Patil was wearing at the time of the incident were also recovered," stated park officials.
The Flathead County coroner is currently working to confirm the identity through DNA or dental records.
Search obstacles
Challenges faced in search for Indian techie's body
The search for Patil's body was hindered by submerged obstacles such as fallen trees and rocks, which kept the body underwater and limited the rangers' ability to search the gorge due to water depth and whitewater conditions.
The most dangerous areas of the creek could only be investigated after water levels dropped.
A park visitor reported seeing a body in Avalanche Creek below the gorge around 10:30am on the day of recovery, prompting immediate recovery efforts by rangers.
Incident recap
Details of Patil's tragic incident revealed
Rangers had used a drone multiple times to search the gorge and conducted aerial searches of the creek, without results.
Patil had fallen into the creek while standing on a large rock.
It remains unclear whether he slipped or lost his balance.
Witnesses saw him fall into the creek, go underwater, resurface briefly, and then be swept away by the current into the gorge.