News Release

Fall on Mount Gould climbing route results in fatality

Date: July 11, 2025
Contact: Autumn Sifuentes, 406-888-7921

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [July 11, 2025] – A climbing accident resulted in a fatality when a 42-year-old man, Brian Astle of Provo, UT fell while descending a steep, off-trail climbing route from the west face of Mount Gould. 

At approximately 5:54 pm on Wednesday, July 9, Glacier National Park Dispatch received a report of an individual who had fallen from Mount Gould above the Highline Trail. Park rangers worked with ALERT and Two Bear Air to locate Astle. To safely recover the body, recovery was postponed until Thursday morning.

On Thursday, July 10, at approximately 10 am, Two Bear Air recovered and transported Astle to the Apgar Horse Corral, who was then transferred to the Flathead County Coroner. An investigation is ongoing, and there is no additional information available at this time.  

Mount Gould stands at 9,557 feet, making it the highest point along the Garden Wall in Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park officials would like to thank ALERT, Two Bear Air, and Flathead County Sherriff’s Office for their support. The park extends their deepest condolences to the family and asks the public to respect the family’s privacy.