EBS STAFF
On Monday afternoon, June 30, a 66-year-old male hiker experienced cardiac arrest near the Ousel Falls trailhead in Big Sky, ultimately succumbing despite life-saving efforts from bystanders and first responders.
A bystander was performing CPR when local volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue, sheriff’s deputies, and Big Sky Fire Department firefighters arrived to the scene, on the Ousel Falls trail roughly one-half mile from the trailhead and parking lot.
“When rescuers arrived on scene, numerous bystanders were helping by escorting emergency services to the scene, providing medical care in the form of CPR, and assisting the victim’s family,” a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office press release stated.
Despite resuscitative efforts from medical professionals including transport to an ambulance at the trailhead, the victim was pronounced dead.
He was identified on July 1 as Mark Hammons, 66, of Kentucky.
Sheriff Dan Springer expressed “sincere condolences” to Hammons’ family in the release. “This was a tragic and sudden event and Sheriff Springer would like the family to know they are in his thoughts and prayers.”
Springer also thanked the numerous bystanders involved in rescue efforts, as well as the “many” hikers and recreationists who paused their personal activities and “leapt into action” to assist the victim and his family—although life-saving efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, Springer noted that studies show bystander CPR provides the best chance of survival.
Springer also thanked the GCSSAR volunteers in Big Sky.
“When called to service, eight volunteers immediately stopped what they were doing at work or in their personal lives, gathered critical equipment, and quickly and efficiently deployed onto the trail to assist with a high acuity event,” Springer stated.
