A man narrowly escaped a tragic fate after falling into McDonald Creek at Glacier National Park, thanks to the swift actions of a good Samaritan. The individual, identified as Ken Nurse, was visiting the park in Montana with his wife, family, and friends.

Nurse fell from an overlook on August 13, tumbling over a series of waterfalls, according to Two Bear Air Rescue, a helicopter search-and-rescue organization based in Montana. The incident required immediate intervention.

A witness entered the creek after spotting Nurse lying face down. The bystander then moved him to shallower water and began chest compressions upon realizing Nurse wasn’t breathing, stated the organization in a Facebook post.

Ken Nurse’s wife, Renae, shared with NonStop Local Montana that the group had paused near McDonald Falls for photos. She returned to the vehicle to warm up, while Nurse moved closer to the edge for a better view. Unfortunately, the ground crumbled, causing him to fall approximately 120 feet into the creek.

As Glacier National Park rangers attended to Nurse in the water, a Two Bear Air Rescue helicopter arrived. Video footage captured a crew member being lowered to secure Nurse, who was then lifted out and flown to a medical helicopter, where he was stabilized and transported to a hospital.

Nurse’s injuries were severe, including multiple cracked ribs, a compound fracture in his elbow requiring surgery, and fluid in his lungs. He remained on a ventilator for two days. Despite the ordeal, Nurse expressed appreciation for those who aided in his rescue.

“I owe everyone my life and I want that to be known,” he stated.

Two Bear Air Rescue praised the bystander’s life-saving efforts in a post, acknowledging the critical role these actions played. Additionally, Nurse’s son shared a public thank you to the rescue crew on Facebook.

The impactful rescue once again highlights the importance of quick thinking and immediate action in emergency situations.