Corvallis man killed in Glacier Park Haystack Creek Fall

A Corvallis man died Saturday in Glacier National Park after he fell into Haystack Creek and was swept under the Going-to-the-Sun Road and over a waterfall.

According to initial witness accounts, Glacier Park officials said Monday that Robert Durbin, 26, was taking photographs along Haystack Creek about 6:30 p.m. Saturday on the upper bank of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. He fell into the creek and was washed through the culvert that goes underneath the road, falling approximately 100 feet below the roadway.

Durbin was traveling with family members when the accident occurred. It was called in by both a shuttle bus driver and an individual with an InReach device.

Haystack Creek is a popular stop along the Sun Road, about five miles below Logan Pass west of the Divide. It has an arched stone culvert that goes over the creek.

The Sun Road was closed to traffic in both directions for approximately one hour on Saturday evening while rangers secured the scene of the accident and Two Bear Air Rescue recovered the victim’s body from a ledge below the road.

No suspicious circumstances have been noted, and the investigation is ongoing, Park officials said.

Falls are a leading cause of death in Glacier National Park. Park visitors should use caution around all water features, especially waterfalls and lakes. Water can be cold, fast moving, and high at many times of the year, and rocks can be very slippery. There are numerous areas in Glacier’s high country with steep drop offs. Visitors should remain vigilant as they enjoy the park to be aware of their surroundings and areas where falls are possible.

The park extended its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

Family members have set up a gofundme account in Durbin’s memory at: www.gofundme.com/robert-robbie-durbin-fund