Pune Techie Goes Missing in Glacier National Park, Family Seeks Help

A Pune youth, Siddhant Vittal Patil, has gone missing after an accident in Glacier National Park, Montana. The incident occurred on July 6 while Siddhant, who resides in California, was hiking with seven friends.

Siddhant entered Avalanche Creek, either by slipping or losing his balance on a large rock. He briefly resurfaced after going underwater but was then swept away by the strong current into the gorge. Witnesses reported that he had diverted from the trail and was standing on a large rock when he slipped and fell.

Aerial searches were conducted by ALERT helicopters, and more than 10 rangers searched the area on foot. Personal items belonging to Siddhant were found downstream, but the search has been hampered by high water levels and strong currents in Avalanche Creek. Rangers have confirmed that the water conditions make the gorge unsearchable at present.

Siddhant's family, devastated by the lack of news, has appealed for urgent help. His uncle, Pritesh Chaudhari, expressed frustration over the search efforts, noting that authorities have not been able to decode details from Siddhant's Apple Watch, which was received on July 10. The family is considering hiring private rangers to continue the search.

The family has received support from the Indian diaspora, with Prem Bhandari advocating for increased efforts to locate Siddhant. Bhandari emphasized the family's grief and their ongoing attempts to get assistance from the authorities for closure.

As days pass without news, Siddhant's family remains in a state of anguish, urging for more comprehensive search efforts to find their son.