Gillian Tones, a 26-year-old Pennsylvania woman, tragically drowned at Glacier National Park after slipping on rocks and falling into Virginia Creek, despite rescue efforts by bystanders and first responders.

The incident, which occurred between St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls, highlights the perilous conditions that contribute to drowning being the leading cause of death at Glacier National Park. Tones, who was pinned underwater by a log after being swept over smaller waterfalls, was pronounced dead despite multiple 911 calls and extensive rescue attempts. The National Park Service has extended condolences to her family and emphasized the need for caution around the park's beautiful but dangerous waterways.

At approximately 5:20 p.m., multiple 911 calls were made by witnesses who saw Gillian Tones slip on the slick rocks and fall into Virginia Creek. The rapid current of the creek swept her over a series of smaller waterfalls, and she became pinned underwater by a log.

Park rangers received the emergency calls and arrived on the scene about 25 minutes later. Bystanders had already begun rescue efforts, attempting to free Tones from her precarious position. Despite their courageous efforts, as well as those of first responders who arrived shortly thereafter, Tones did not regain consciousness.

The rescuers worked diligently to reach Tones and perform life-saving measures, but their efforts were in vain. She was pronounced dead at approximately 7 p.m., about an hour and a half after the initial fall.

The National Park Service quickly confirmed the tragic incident. They noted in their statement that drowning is the number one cause of death at Glacier National Park, due in large part to the park’s beautiful but perilous rivers and waterfalls. The Service extended their heartfelt condolences to Tones' family and friends during this difficult time.

Family and friends of Gillian Tones have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of her funeral and the necessary arrangements to bring her back home to Pennsylvania. The page describes Tones as a 'bright light' and speaks to the profound impact she had on those who knew her.

Virginia Creek, where the incident occurred, is known for its stunning but hazardous conditions. The area between St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls, in particular, draws numerous visitors who come to witness its natural beauty. However, the same conditions that make it so picturesque also pose significant risks. Visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution, especially around wet, slick rocks and the fast-moving waters.

This tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers present in natural environments, and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines provided by park authorities. Awareness and preparedness can be crucial in preventing such heartbreaking events in the future.

As the community mourns the loss of Gillian Tones, the outpouring of support for her family highlights the deep connections she made during her life. The National Park Service and first responders who worked tirelessly to save her life also continue to remind visitors of the power and unpredictability of nature in areas like Glacier National Park.