19-year-old found dead in Glacier National Park hours after being separated from friend

A 19-year-old was climbing with his friend in Glacier National Park when he vanished.

Four hours later, his body was found in the Montana park, according to the National Park Service.

Winslow Nichols of Columbia Falls lost contact with his climbing partner on Tuesday, June 7. His friend reported him missing at about 3 p.m.

“The two men planned to hike and climb Mt. Brown together and became separated,” Glacier officials said in a news release. “Park rangers launched a search and located a vehicle at Lake McDonald Lodge matching the description provided by the climbing partner.”

Mt. Brown is a 8,500-foot mountain that can be snowy and rocky in the spring, park officials said.

Rescuers and two helicopter crews scoured the area for Nichols. At about 7 p.m., his body was found on Mt. Brown.

“The exact circumstances leading to Nichols’ death are unknown, however rangers suspect he fell while climbing,” rangers said. “No foul play is suspected.”

Park officials are investigating the death.

This story was originally published June 9, 2022 at 7:06 AM with the headline "19-year-old found dead in Glacier National Park hours after being separated from friend."