Rock falls through Jeep on Glacier National Park road, killing grandfather

A tragic rock-fall occurred on the afternoon of July 11 along the rim of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, when a boulder penetrated the roof of a hard-top Jeep and struck 72-year-old Rex Schowengerdt in the head as his wife sat beside him. He was rescued by helicopter and taken to a nearby hospital, where he endured a catastrophic brain injury and died on July 16, with his wife and daughter holding his hand.

The Flathead County Coroner’s Office classified the incident as an accidental death. Schowengerdt’s family launched a GoFundMe, and his daughter Amy Prince described the loss and the family’s decision to donate his eyes, which World Vision reported restored vision for two people. The family also chose cremation due to cost concerns and plan a memorial. Officials note that while millions travel the scenic highway safely, the steep terrain is prone to rockfall that can endanger vehicles.