A North Carolina man has remarkably survived after falling 120 feet into McDonald Creek while visiting Glacier National Park in Montana. The incident occurred on Thursday, August 13, when Ken Nurse was on an outing with his wife, Renae, as well as family and friends.
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According to a statement from Two Bear Air Rescue, a helicopter search and rescue team, Ken fell from an overlook after moving too close to the edge for a better view. Renae had stepped back to their car to warm up when the ground beneath him gave way, leading to his harrowing plunge into the water below.
Witnesses reported that Ken fell over a series of waterfalls, and a nearby bystander quickly entered the creek to help once he saw Ken floating face down. The bystander managed to bring him to a shallower part of the creek, where he began administering CPR. Fortunately, Ken experienced a return of spontaneous circulation, which was critical in the minutes following the fall.
Rescue teams arrived shortly after, with park rangers attending to the injured man before the Two Bear Air Rescue helicopter secured him and lifted him from the creek. Footage from the rescue displayed the impressive efforts being made to ensure Ken’s safety during the operation.
Ken was subsequently transferred to a medical helicopter, where his condition was stabilised before being taken to a local hospital. He endured two days on a ventilator, alongside multiple injuries that included cracked ribs and a compound fracture of his elbow which required surgical intervention. Doctors also noted fluid in his lungs.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ken expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who came to his aid. “I owe everyone my life,” he stated, emphasising the importance of acknowledging those who contributed to his survival. Renae took to social media later that week to share their progress, revealing that they would be flying home the next day.
In a Facebook update dated August 20, she recounted the swift transformation in their circumstances, saying, “Last Thursday we didn’t know if he would ever come off the ventilator. This Thursday I got our return flights booked for tomorrow!” Renae thanked their rescuer, who she identified as Josh, along with friends, family, park and hospital staff, and the rescue team for their invaluable support during the traumatic experience.
The couple, who have often visited Glacier National Park due to Ken’s roots in the nearby city of Helena, expressed hope of returning in the future. Joking about the incident, Renae mentioned that Ken might have to stay in the car during their next visit, highlighting the irony of enjoying the park’s beauty only to have such a close brush with danger.
“I love it out here,” Renae declared. “It is so peaceful and so beautiful; it just takes your breath away every time. Here it actually took my husband’s breath this time, but they gave it back.”
Despite the ordeal, the family remains optimistic about future visits to the national park that holds such fond memories for them. The quick-thinking actions of the bystander and rescue teams demonstrate the importance of preparedness and prompt intervention in critical situations, serving as a poignant reminder of nature’s beauty and its inherent risks.