Man killed from Going-to-the-Sun Road rockfall identified as 73-year-old Missourian
HANNAH SHIELDS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 2 weeks AGO
The Going-to-the-Sun road heading east on July 26, 2024. (Taylor Inman/Daily Inter Lake)
RURAL GOVERNMENT REPORTER, REPORT FOR AMERICA Hannah Shields covers rural government and accountability reporting for the Daily Inter Lake and Northwest Montana weekly papers as part of the national Report for America program. Her reporting focuses on transparency, public spending and the impact of local government decisions on small communities. Shields has covered issues ranging from school district finances to development disputes and rural infrastructure projects. She regularly uses public records and investigative reporting to examine institutions that affect local residents. Her work helps bring greater oversight and visibility to rural government across Northwest Montana. IMPACT: Hannah’s work strengthens transparency and accountability in rural communities that often lack consistent watchdog coverage. | July 29, 2026 12:00 AM
Authorities identified the man who died after being struck by rockfall on Going-to-the-Sun Road earlier this month as 73-year-old Rex Schowengerdt of Missouri.
Schowengerdt was a passenger in a Jeep traveling along the Rimrocks section of the road just below Logan Pass in Glacier National Park about 1:40 p.m., July 11 when he was struck on the head.
Schowengerdt was taken to Logan Health Medical Center the same day. Medical staff determined that Schowengerdt suffered a brain hernia, inner cranial hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury, Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said.
Family members ultimately decided to take Schowengerdt off life support, he said. Schowengerdt died July 16.
The death was ruled accidental by the coroner’s office.
Bolts have been secured in some areas above Going-to-the-Sun Road to help prevent rockfall, but injuries from falling debris still occur. In 2019, a 14-year-old Utah girl was killed when rocks fell onto the road near the east side tunnel.
Hungry Horse News Editor Chris Peterson contributed to this report. Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.
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