Overview

• Brian Astle, 42, fell on July 9 while descending a steep, unmarked route on Mount Gould’s west face above the Highline Trail.
• Park officials were notified of the accident around 6 p.m. Wednesday and delayed recovery until safety conditions allowed.
• Two Bear Air Rescue crews retrieved his body Thursday and transported it to the Flathead County Coroner’s Office.
• Glacier National Park extended its deepest condolences to Astle’s family and highlighted the technical hazards of off-trail climbing.
• The fatality underscores recurring backcountry risks in Glacier National Park and the challenges facing remote search-and-rescue operations.