Man falls to his death from closed Glacier Park trail

The hiker who fell to his death Wednesday afternoon while crossing a steep snow field on a closed trail in Glacier National Park has been identified as a 64-year-old Washington state man.

Park officials say Charles Fred Huseman, from Packwood, Wash., died from bodily trauma sustained from a fall in the Rim Rock area, about a mile west of Logan Pass.

Witnesses say Huseman was hiking the Highline Trail, which is closed due to snow danger, when he slid on a snow field and fell about 100 feet, landing along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

A 3:40 p.m. a park ranger was dispatched to the scene where he administered CPR and used an automated external defibrillator, with the assistance of bystanders. The victim was declared deceased at the scene.

Officials remind visitors that winter conditions exist in many locations in the high country, including the Logan Pass area. Hikers should exercise caution when walking on snow and be alert of possible collapsible snow, steep slide areas and changing weather conditions. 

For information about hiking in the park and trail status, visit http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm or contact the park at 406-888-7800.