Search and Rescue team member killed in rock slide

Gallatin County Search and Rescue team member Travis Swanson was killed in a climbing accident Sunday.

Sheriff Brian Gootkin said Swanson was climbing on Mount Cowen in Park County when rockfall swept him and fellow Search and Rescue team member Will Hitchcock downslope. A third team member was also climbing in the party. Jackson Negri contacted the Park County Sheriff’s Office and S&R teammates, who responded with specialized alpine rescue resources.

With Negri’s help, the team rescued Hitchcock and recovered Swanson.

The Sheriff said Swanson was a significant contributor to the Alpine and Helicopter rescue teams.

In a statement, Gootkin said, “He loved spending time with friends doing things that allowed him to excel at saving others. He demonstrated the highest level of teamwork and commitment. When good days went bad, Travis was always there to help his community. We thank Park County for allowing us the privilege of being able to recover one of our own.”