Raju Jha, 28-Year-Old Nepali Engineer, Loses Life in Drowning Accident at Montana’s Glacier National Park

Raju Jha, a 28-year-old engineer from Janakpur, Nepal, tragically drowned in Lake McDonald near Sprague Creek Campground in Montana’s Glacier National Park on Saturday. Jha was swimming with friends when he encountered difficulty about 30 yards from the shore. Despite efforts to stay afloat, he submerged and did not resurface.

The incident was reported at 6:25 p.m., and park rangers arrived at the scene at 6:50 p.m. A rescue operation involving a helicopter and Three Rivers Ambulance was launched. Park rangers located Jha’s body 30 yards from the shore, at a depth of 35 to 40 feet. A police diving team retrieved his body at 8:20 p.m.

Jha, who had been living and working in Portland, Oregon, was on vacation with friends at the time of the accident. Park officials have contacted the Nepali Embassy to inform his family.

Raju Jha moved to the US in 2019 to pursue a master’s degree in structural engineering at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He was employed as a structural engineer at Jacobs Engineering in Portland after completing his degree.

A GoFundMe appeal has been launched to cover the costs of repatriating his body to Nepal and for his funeral.

“Raju was a shining light in our lives, bringing joy and laughter to all who knew him. He loved cooking and serving food to anyone he met, bringing people together, whether a close friend or someone he just met. He was enthusiastic and passionate about climbing and hiking. In this time of grief, we are reaching out to our community for support in sending him to Nepal for his final rites,” reads the GoFundMe appeal.

“We are hosting a fundraiser to help cover the expenses of transporting him to his family in Nepal, where they can bid goodbye to their beloved son. Your generous contributions will not only ease the financial burden on his loved ones but also show your love and support during this difficult time.”

To contribute, please click here.