Glacier National Park features melting glaciers, alpine meadows, sculpted valleys and spectacular lakes.
WEST GLACIER, Mt. – The body of a Montana hiker who was missing for a week in Glacier National Park has been found.
A search helicopter discovered the body of 32-year-old Grant Marcuccio on Sunday, a half-mile east of McPartland Peak, national park officials said.
The cause of Marcuccio’s death is still under investigation, but the nature of the injuries found and the location where he was found indicate a fall, authorities said.
On August 18, Marcuccio split from his group to climb to the summit of McPartland Peak alone, planning to meet at an agreed-upon location. Marcuccio continued hiking through McPartland Park, but did not arrive at the group’s meeting point as planned. His friends alerted park rangers that same evening.
He was searched for by air and on the ground for seven days until his body was found on Sunday afternoon.
“He loves Glacier with all his heart”
According to those who knew Marcuccio, he was an experienced climber who was popular with many in the Whitefish and Glacier communities for remote hiking trips.
Andrew Schnell, a friend and fellow mountaineer, told FOX Weather that Marcuccio had successfully climbed about 190 peaks in Glacier National Park.
“He always had a smile on his face and he’s just the nicest, most genuine, kindest person,” Schnell said. “He’s also a talented climber, very experienced and a strong, strong athlete. And he loves the park. He loves Glacier with all his heart.”
The area where Marcuccio hiked, between Heavens Peak and McPartland Park, is some of the most difficult terrain in the park. Experts recommend that only very experienced climbers familiar with the Leave No Trace principle should attempt this hike.
“It’s steep, exposed and extremely loose rock,” said Schnell. “There are multiple route options in Glacier for scrambling or climbing. And in this case, there are a lot more wrong options than right options in this area. So it’s a tricky zone. But it’s also one of the most beautiful areas in the park.”
Although Glacier National Park is known for its beautiful glacial lakes, waterfalls, valleys and alpine meadows, it can experience rapidly changing and extreme weather conditions. According to the National Park Service, hikers should be prepared for all conditions, even on warm summer days.
