News Release

Glider Wreckage Found in Park Rangers Recover Two Bodies

Date: June 11, 2018
Contact: Denise Germann, 307.739.3393

Teton Interagency Dispatch was contacted at approximately 12 p.m. Saturday, June 9, about two individuals that did not return from a scenic glider ride that departed from Driggs, Idaho. The call was being investigated by the Teton County Wyoming Sheriff’s Office as initial indications were that the glider and individuals may be located south of the park boundary.
As park crews were mobilizing to assist Teton County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, the park received information that one of the individual’s phone was pinged and it indicated a location in the park.  An independent helicopter then contacted the park that they saw what they believed to be glider wreckage in the park.  Park rangers flew to the site, confirmed it was the glider and that there were two deceased individuals.  The wreckage was located between the Middle and South Teton, above Icefloe Lake at approximately 10,800 feet. 
Park rangers recovered the two bodies via a long-line aerial operation.
The glider pilot is identified as Kristine Ciesinski, age 65, of Victor, Idaho.  The name of the other individual will not be released until next of kin notifications have been completed. 
The National Park Service is conducting an investigation. 

Update: Sunday, June 10- The other individual is identified as David Ross, age 65, of Salt Lake City.