Utah man dies in fall in Glacier National Park climbing accident

The east face of Mount Gould in Glacier National Park viewed from the Many Glacier Valley. (Glacier National Park via Flickr)

A 42-year-old Utah man died on Wednesday following a climbing accident on Mount Gould in Glacier National Park, according to a Friday morning press release from the National Park Service.

Park officials said Brian Astle fell while descending a steep, off-trail climbing route from the west face of Gould, the release stated.

Glacier National Park dispatchers received a report of an individual who had fallen from Mount Gould above the Highline Trail at approximately 5:54 p.m. on July 9. Park rangers worked with ALERT and Two Bear Air and located Astle’s body the same day, but postponed recovery until Thursday morning for safety.

The morning of July 10, Two Bear Air recovered and transported Astle to Apgar Horse Corral, where the Flathead County Coroner took over.

An investigation is ongoing, according to the release, and there is no additional information at this time.

Mount Gould stands at 9,557 feet, making it the highest point along the Garden Wall in Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park officials would like to thank ALERT, Two Bear Air, and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office for their support. The park extends their deepest condolences to the family and asks the public to respect the family’s privacy.

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