The body of a missing angler in Glacier National Park was pulled from the cold waters of Lake McDonald on Friday, four days after he was reported missing.
Park officials said the body of 30-year-old Michael William Sloan was recovered shortly before noon. The Hungry Horse, Montana, man had been reported missing Tuesday evening when he failed to return from an afternoon of fishing in the park.
The man's body was found thanks to specialized equipment and training of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Dive Team. The county used a small submersible remote operated vehicle with an on-board camera to locate the victim about 200 yards from shore and about 65 feet below the surface at the head of Lake McDonald, a park release said.
“We are saddened by the loss of Mr. Sloan, and on behalf of park management and staff, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends," said Mark Foust, Glacier's chief ranger. "We appreciate the hard work, dedication and commitment to safety shown by everyone involved in the search and recovery effort. Our friends and partners with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department, Flathead County Search and Rescue, and North Valley Search and Rescue are greatly appreciated.”
This is the second drowning fatality in Glacier this year, and the third in five years. Water-related accidents remain the number one cause of death in the park. Visitors are reminded to be extremely careful when recreating on or near water.
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