Montana man dies in ice climbing accident at Cataract Falls

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – A Montana man has died while ice climbing in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton says the man from Great Falls was reported to have slipped and fallen 90 feet while climbing Cataract Falls on Sunday.

The Great Falls Tribune reports that authorities received a call at 1:12 p.m.

The victim’s name was not released pending notification of family.

Dutton says the man, an avid climber, was climbing with four other people.

He says a person who reported the accident had to drive out several miles to obtain cell coverage, then waited to guide first responders into the area.

Dutton says the death was accidental.

Cataract Falls is about 150 feet tall and is considered a beginner to intermediate ice climbing area.