Avalanche Creek drowning victim identified as University of Kansas student

The 28-year-old woman who drowned in Glacier National Park on Monday has been identified as a University of Kansas student who was on a tour of national parks with friends.

According to Glacier National Park officials, Atheer Abdulrahman S. Alquahtani fell off a rocky overhang into Avalanche Creek and was swept into the gorge. Alquahtani was from Saudi Arabia and a resident of Lawrence, Kansas.

She was spotted in the creek near the bridge along the Trail of the Cedars by bystanders who waded into the water to pull her out. They immediately began CPR and sent people to notify park rangers and call 911. Park Service staff, the ALERT air ambulance and Three Rivers Ambulance responded.

Alquahtani was declared deceased by ALERT personnel at the side of the creek, park officials said. Rangers used a litter to carry her out to the Avalanche Lake Trailhead on Going-to-the-Sun Road, where she was then transferred to funeral services.

According to friends traveling with Alquahtani, she had just finished her first year of her master’s degree at the University of Kansas and was on a road trip tour of national parks to celebrate. Friends described her as a risk-taker who loved getting in and being near water.

Law enforcement investigators said there were no indications of foul play. Park officials said the incident occurred off-trail and many visitors take the same risk.

Water related incidents are the number one cause of death at Glacier National Park. Visitors are encouraged to take extra precautions when approaching areas with water, especially during spring runoff.