Glacier National Park: Search continues for missing experienced Montana climber

Glacier National Park

FILE VIDEO: Glacier National Park is a showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes.

WEST GLACIER, Mt. – Teams continue searching Montana's Glacier National Park for an experienced 32-year-old climber last seen Sunday evening.

National Park Service officials said Grant Marcuccio, of Whitefish, Montana, was last seen about noon Sunday after he separated from his group while hiking from Heavens Peak to McPartland Park. 

Marcuccio went on to hike McPartland Park but did not arrive at the group's rendezvous point as planned. His friends alerted park rangers on Sunday evening. Rangers continue to search for Marcuccio, who is described as white, with short brown hair, brown eyes, 6 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds. He was last seen wearing brown shorts and a brown and white checkered shirt. 

Grant Marcuccio was last seen on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024 in Glacier National Park.

Two Bear Air Rescue provides helicopter support for search and rescue teams across the Northwest and is aiding in the search. Aerial search efforts started Monday over Heavens Peak. A U.S. Forest Service helicopter flew in Wednesday to help search teams.

According to those who knew Marcuccio, he was an experienced climber loved by many in the Whitefish and in the Glacier backcountry hiking community. 

Andrew Schnell, a friend and fellow mountaineer, told FOX Weather that Marcuccio had about 190 successful summits in Glacier National Park. 

"He always had a smile and is just the kindest, most genuine, nice person," Schnell said. "He is also just a talented mountaineer, very experienced and a strong, strong athlete. And he loves the park. He loves Glacier, with his whole heart."

The area where Marcuccio was last seen, between Heavens Peak and McPartland Park, has some of the park's most difficult terrain, and experts recommend attempting the hike only by the most experienced mountaineer familiar with the "Leave No Trace" principles.

"It's steep, exposed, extremely loose rock," Schnell said. "In Glacier, there are multiple route options, for scrambling or climbing. And in this case, there are like a lot more wrong options in that area than there are right. So it's a tricky zone. But it's also one of the most beautiful areas in the park."

On Thursday, a Glacier National Park public affairs officer told FOX Weather that the search for Marcuccio continues. 

The weather has been mostly good and clear for the search efforts. But as September nears, thunderstorm activity usually picks up around this time of year. 

While known for its beautiful glacial lakes, waterfalls, valleys, and alpine meadows, Glacier National Park can experience quickly changing and extreme weather. According to the National Park Service, hikers should be ready for any condition, even on warm summer days.

On July 6, two park visitors drowned in the park in different areas. In June, a Pennsylvania woman fell into the water above St. Mary Falls and drowned. 

Anyone with information about Marcuccio or who might have seen him in the area is asked to contact the park tip line at 406-888-7077.