On Sunday, helicopter search crews recovered the body of missing climber Grant Marcuccio in Glacier National Park. The 32-year-old Whitefish man had been missing since August 18. It began a week-long search and rescue operation that ended yesterday around 2 p.m. when aerial searchers discovered his body in rugged terrain below the ridge that connects Heavens Peak and McPartland Mountain.

The cause of Marcuccio’s death is still under investigation, according to a press release from Glacier Park authorities on Monday. However, traumatic injuries and the location where his body was found indicate a fall, the press release said.

A Two Bear Air helicopter crew discovered Marcuccio’s remains a half-mile east of McPartland Mountain on Sunday and took them to the Apgar Institute horse pens, where the Flathead County coroner was waiting.

Marcuccio was last seen by his hiking group near Heavens Peak around 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 18. Marcuccio split from his climbing companion to summit McPartland alone and planned to meet at an agreed-upon location. Rangers were alerted by the companion on Sunday evening after Marcuccio failed to show up at the meeting point.

Two Bear air and ground teams began searching on Monday, August 19. The US Forest Service (USFS) also flew over the area and deployed ground searchers.

“Glacier National Park officials would like to thank North Valley and Flathead County Search and Rescue, USFS, U.S. Geological Survey, Flathead County Sheriff’s Department, Two Bear Air Rescue, National Park Service personnel and members of the public who provided tips,” the release said. “Glacier National Park staff would like to extend their sincere condolences to the family and ask that the public respect their privacy.”

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