UPDATE: Missing Teen in Glacier National Park “Found Alive”
(UPDATE: May 9, 2023, at 10:33 a.m.)
Matthew Read, 19, has been "found alive" after not returning from a hike on Friday, May 6 in Glacier National Park, according to Gina Kerzman, Public Information Officer with Glacier National Park.
(First report: May 8, 2023, at 11:32 a.m.)
Glacier National Park authorities say they haven't been able to locate a young man who hasn't been seen since he started a hike on the park's west side a few days ago.
The 19-year-old was last heard from on Friday afternoon, a few hours after starting his hike on the Huckleberry Trail a few hours before. Rangers were only alerted to him being overdue on Sunday.
Rangers started a "hasty search" on Sunday and were able to locate the missing hiker's car at the trailhead. The trail is a path known for its steep climbs leading to the Huckleberry Lookout, and is considered "difficult."
Searchers expanded their efforts Monday morning, with rangers, U.S. Border Patrol, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office, and county search dogs all working to locate the man. Additionally, Two Bear Air conducted an overflight last night and had planned to fly again today if the weather conditions improve.
The weather hasn't been the best in the park, with rain, fog, and colder temperatures. The upper reaches of the trail remain snow-covered.
The hiker is described as a Caucasian, with short brown hair, and brown eyes, standing 5'11" and weighing about 210 pounds. He may be wearing a gray and black Columbia rain jacket, with either blue and yellow, or black and red shoes.
Anyone with information that might help the search should contact the park at 406-888-7077.