Fatality, active search and rescue at Shoshone Lake in Yellowstone National Park - NPS News Release
News Release
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
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Contact: Morgan Warthin, (307) 344-2015
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY - Park search and rescue crews located the
body of Mark O’Neill along the east shore of Shoshone Lake in
Yellowstone National Park Monday, Sept. 20.
O’Neill, 67, from Chimacum, Washington, and his half-brother, Kim
Crumbo, 74, from Ogden, Utah, were reported overdue by a family member
Sunday, Sept. 19 from their four-night backcountry trip to Shoshone
Lake.
On Sunday, Sept. 19, park crews located a vacant campsite with gear on
the south side of Shoshone Lake, as well as a canoe, paddle, PFD and
other personal belongings on the east shore of the lake. Crews located
the body of O’Neill along the east shore during the morning of Monday,
Sept. 20.
Search and rescue efforts continue with 10 crew members on foot in the
area Tuesday, Sept. 21 to locate Crumbo. Grand Teton National Park
interagency ship and crew are also assisting with air operations.
Both O’Neill and Crumbo are National Park Service (NPS) retirees, and Crumbo is a former Navy Seal.
This incident remains under investigation. While we cannot comment
further about the specifics of this investigation, we will provide
updates when appropriate to do so. We ask the public to maintain
distance from any law enforcement personnel, equipment, vehicles and
their related activity for the safety of the public in this remote area
and to protect the integrity of our work.
Shoshone Lake, the park’s second-largest lake, is located at the head of
the Lewis River southwest of West Thumb. At 8,050 acres (3,258 ha), its
average year-round temperature is about 48 F (9 C). Survival time is
estimated to be only 20 to 30 minutes in water of this temperature.
Learn more about boating regulations and safety in the park.
Editor’s Note: No photos of this incident are available.