A 26-year-old woman from Pennsylvania drowned on Sunday, June 23, 2024 after being swept over a waterfall at Glacier National Park in Montana. On Monday, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that the woman, identified as Gillian Tones from North Apollo, Pennsylvania was caught in the fast-moving waters above St. Mary Falls.
Witnesses reported that Tones lost her footing on wet rocks and fell into Virginia Creek, located between St. Mary and Virginia Falls, approximately 200 yards upstream from the trail bridge. She was swept over the falls and swiftly carried downstream by the cold, fast-moving current, going over a series of smaller cascades before being trapped underwater by a log.
“She was submerged for several minutes,” stated the NPS. “Bystanders retrieved her from the water below the falls and administered CPR until rescue personnel arrived.”
The incident occurred around 5:20 p.m., with several 911 calls directed through Glacier County dispatch. Park rangers reached the scene by approximately 5:45 p.m., and a rescue helicopter landed nearby around 6:20 p.m. Despite their joint efforts, Tones did not regain consciousness. “Resuscitation efforts ended at about 7 p.m., and emergency personnel pronounced the woman dead,” according to the NPS.
Gillian Tones’ body was moved to the 1913 Ranger Station and then taken to the medical examiner in Missoula, Montana, for an autopsy. The incident is under investigation, and additional details are still being gathered.
Tones’ untimely death highlights the inherent dangers present in Glacier National Park, where drowning is one of the leading causes of fatalities. A park website safety notice advises, “Please exercise extreme caution around water. Swift, cold glacial streams and rivers, moss-covered rocks, and slippery logs are all hazardous. Children, photographers, boaters, rafters, swimmers, and fishermen have all encountered danger in these rapid, frigid streams and deep glacial lakes. Avoid wading in or crossing swift streams. Never walk, play, or climb on slippery rocks and logs, especially around waterfalls. Do not stand up or lean over the side when boating, and always wear a life jacket.”
In a statement, the NPS conveyed appreciation for the prompt response from various agencies and individuals during the emergency. “Park staff would like to thank Glacier County, Advanced Life-Support and Emergency Rescue Team, Babb Ambulance, and US Border Patrol for their support, as well as the numerous bystanders who provided immediate assistance,” they said. “The park extends its deepest condolences to Tones’ family and friends and requests that the public respect their privacy.”
The local community in North Apollo is mourning the loss of Gillian Tones, a young woman remembered for her love for the outdoors. Gillian, a 26-year-old nurse, was known for her dedication to helping others and had recently received The DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses while working at UPMC St. Margaret.
She graduated from Apollo-Ridge High School in 2015 and completed a Westmoreland County Community College nursing program. Her brother, Dillon Tones, described her as a “bright soul” with an “energetic, compassionate, and kind” personality and a natural inclination toward helping people. Gillian enjoyed hiking, traveling, listening to music, and being in nature in her free time.
