19-Year-Old Climber Died 'Living the Life He Loved' in Fall at Glacier National Park

Photo: Getty

A 19-year-old has died at Glacier National Park in Montana while attempting to climb Mount Brown, according to park officials.

Winslow Nichols, of Columbia Falls, was found dead Tuesday following a brief search, Glacier National Park said in astatementon Wednesday.

The Glacier Nordic Club wrote ina post on Facebookthat Nichols recently graduated from West Point Preparatory School and was preparing for his freshman year at West Point.

Glacier National Park dispatch was informed of the teen’s disappearance around 3 p.m. on Tuesday “from a concerned friend who lost contact with his climbing partner,'' with whom he planned to “hike and climb” Mount Brown, a 8,500-foot mountain, per the national park’s news release.

But the two eventually “became separated,” Glacier National Park said, leading to a ground and air search of the area late Tuesday afternoon.

Rangers believe Nichols fell while climbing, the national park said. No foul play is suspected in connection with his death, though the “exact circumstances” are unknown.

“Park staff would like to express their deepest condolences to the family and ask that the public respect the family’s privacy,” the national park said.

Glacier National Park law enforcement officials are investigating Nichols' death.

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Nichols began skiing with the club at age 4, the group said, and served as team captain during his junior and senior years of high school. He also “showed leadership in soccer and academia,” per the Facebook post.

“We hope you’re knocking the ball around on a pitch in paradise,” the team wrote in a social media tribute.

A memorial for Nichols is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the Columbia Falls High School soccer field, according to the Glacier Nordic Club.

source: people.com