Young Hiker Dies After Horrific Mountain Accident

A 20-year-old hiker has died after plunging more than 200 feet from a Montana mountain, triggering a difficult overnight rescue operation involving multiple search teams and aircraft.

Callum Cook was hiking on Blackmore Mountain with a friend late Friday, October 2, when authorities say he fell from near the peak.

Cook’s friend called 911 to report the fall, setting off an extensive response in the rugged mountain terrain.

Three teams of Gallatin County Search and Rescue volunteers were deployed, while Billings Med Flight and the U.S. Air Force’s 40th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base were also brought in to assist.

Rescue crews staged near Hyalite Reservoir before climbing through the night. They reached Cook’s friend at about 2 a.m. and then began the challenging search for Cook.

Because of the steep terrain and darkness, rescuers were forced to rappel down the mountain while looking for the missing hiker.

Cook was eventually located after authorities said he had fallen more than 200 feet. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Other volunteers remained on the summit with Cook’s friend, helping him gather the pair’s camping equipment before accompanying him safely off the mountain.

The difficult location also complicated the recovery effort. A specialized Search and Rescue Heli-Alpine Team was later brought in, with assistance from Central Helicopters, to reach the area and transport Cook to the Gallatin County coroner.

Gallatin County Sheriff and Coroner Dan Springer offered his condolences to Cook’s family and friends following the tragedy.

Springer also thanked the search-and-rescue volunteers, military personnel, medical flight crews and helicopter teams who worked through the night under challenging conditions.

Blackmore Mountain rises more than 10,000 feet in Montana’s Gallatin Range near Hyalite Reservoir south of Bozeman. The trail leading toward the mountain passes through rugged backcountry where conditions can change quickly and emergency response can take hours.

The U.S. Forest Service advises visitors heading into the region to carry adequate food, water and extra clothing and to be prepared for changing mountain conditions.

Cook’s death has also prompted an outpouring of sympathy online, with commenters expressing condolences for his loved ones and for the friend who witnessed the devastating accident.

Authorities have not indicated that foul play was involved, and the available information points to the death being treated as a tragic hiking accident.