A visitor to Glacier National Park in Montana survived a perilous 120-foot fall into McDonald Creek on August 13, an incident that required CPR from a bystander and a subsequent helicopter rescue. Ken Nurse was visiting the park with his wife, family, and friends when the accident occurred.
According to Two Bear Air Rescue, a Montana-based search-and-rescue organization that responded to the incident, Nurse fell from an overlook and went over a set of waterfalls. A witness who saw the fall entered the creek to reach Nurse, who was found face down in the water. The bystander pulled Nurse into shallower water and began chest compressions when he realized Nurse was not breathing.
Glacier National Park rangers were attending to Nurse when the Two Bear Air Rescue helicopter arrived. A crew member was lowered to secure Nurse, who was then hoisted from the water. He was subsequently flown to a waiting medical helicopter for transport to a hospital.
Nurse's wife, Renae, told NonStop Local Montana that the group had stopped near McDonald Falls for photos. Ken Nurse reportedly moved closer to the edge for a better view when the ground gave way.
Two Bear Air Rescue commended the bystander's critical intervention. "We commend the quick action of the bystander whose actions saved the victim's life," the organization stated in a Facebook post.
After the rescue, Nurse spent two days on a ventilator. His injuries included multiple cracked ribs, a compound fracture to his elbow that required surgery, and fluid in his lungs. Despite the severity of his condition, Nurse expressed gratitude to those who aided in his survival, stating, "I just want everyone who helped me out to get the things they deserve. Because I should not be here right now."