Authorities searching for missing 19-year-old in Glacier National Park
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 2 months AGO
A flyer for 19-year-old Matthew David Read, who was reported missing on May 7. Rescue crews found him alive on May 8 and he is in stable condition. (photo provided)
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | May 8, 2023 9:38 AM
Officials are searching for a missing 19-year-old man who was last seen near the trailhead of Huckleberry Lookout in Glacier National Park on Friday.
According to a press release issued by park officials, rangers are searching for 19-year-old Matthew David Read who was believed to have been hiking the Huckleberry Trail on Friday. Read is described as a White male, about 5-foot-11 in height and weighing roughly 210 pounds with short brown hair and brown eyes. He may be wearing a gray and black Columbia rain jacket with either blue and yellow or black and red shoes.
Read's vehicle was found at the trailhead of Huckleberry Trail on Sunday, officials said. He was last heard from on Friday afternoon and was thought to have begun his hike around noon that day.
Rangers learned he was overdue on Sunday and conducted a quick, but unsuccessful search that afternoon.
Another search party is out this morning, with 30 individuals including park rangers, U.S. Border Patrol agents and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office personnel as well as search dogs.
Two Bear Air flew last night and will fly again when weather cooperates, officials said. Conditions in the park were rainy, overcast and foggy on Monday morning.
Conditions on Huckleberry Trail at the upper reaches are winter-like with snow over the trail at higher altitudes, officials said. Huckleberry Trail is closed due to the ongoing search.
Anyone that may have information or was in the area and saw an individual that fits the description is encouraged to contact the park tip line at 406-888-7077.
Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at [email protected].
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