FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On June 30, 2025, at 12:22 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue – Big Sky Section was called to Ousel Falls Trailhead for a cardiac arrest with bystander CPR in progress. SAR volunteers, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies, and Big Sky Fire Department responded to the scene, which was approximately 0.5 miles from the trailhead. 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.

Emergency responders provided life saving efforts at the scene and transported the victim to the trailhead where the Big Sky Fire Department ambulance was waiting. Resuscitative efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and the victim was pronounced dead.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to thank all the bystanders who participated in this event. There were many people recreating on the trail who stopped what they were doing and leapt into action to assist the victim and their family. Studies have proven that bystander CPR provides the victim of a cardiac arrest with the best chance of survival. Sheriff Dan Springer would also like to thank the Search and Rescue 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.

Finally, Sheriff Dan Springer would like to express his sincere condolences to the family. The decedent was identified as 66 year old Mark Hammons of Kentucky. This was a tragic and sudden event and Sheriff Springer would like the family to know they are in his thoughts and prayers.