You are here

Oklahoma Woman Rescued From Middle of Stream in Rocky Mountain National Park

Share

Published Date

July 6, 2009

Streamside photos in the Rocky Mountains definitely are photogenic, but the footing can be tricky, as an Oklahoma woman learned Monday after falling into a snowmelt-filled stream in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The unnamed 54-year-old from Enid, Oklahoma, was posing for a picture next to Glacier Creek late Monday morning when she slipped and fell and was swept 15 to 20 yards downstream before she was able to pull herself up on a rock and hold on to a shrub. Her husband drove to Moraine Park Visitor Center to get help.

Park rangers were on scene at 12:15 p.m.. and were able to use a rope to get a life jacket, helmet and additional clothing to the victim. Estes Park Dive Rescue and Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department along with Estes Park Ambulance assisted park rangers. Dive Rescue deployed an inflatable boat to reach the victim and assist her to dry land.

Bear Lake Road was closed, between Hollowell Park and Park and Ride, for almost an hour due to the incident.

The woman suffered from hypothermia and a broken wrist and was taken by ambulance to Estes Park Medical Center.

Park officials warn that mountain streams can be dangerous, especially after all of the spring runoff and continued moisture in the park. Visitors are reminded to remain back from the banks of streams and rivers and provide proper supervision for children, who by nature, tend to be attracted to water. Rocks at streamside and in the stream are often slippery and water beneath them may be deep. Powerful currents can quickly pull a person underwater.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.