The Miracle Files | Ep. 44
"Florida Family Falls into Gorge: Glacier National Park Miracle Rescue"
Hosts: Holly & Emily
Release Date: September 8, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode of The Miracle Files explores a harrowing incident at Glacier National Park, where a Florida family’s vacation nearly turned tragic. When three family members fell into Avalanche Creek Gorge, a rapid and dangerous rescue involving bystanders—including medical professionals—led to what Holly and Emily call a true miracle. The episode dives into the events, the rescue, and discusses faith, fate, and the importance of caution, particularly while taking selfies in risky locations.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Setting the Scene: Glacier National Park
- Location: Northwestern Montana, along the Canadian border
- Description: Over a million acres of rugged wilderness with icy blue creeks, waterfalls, and steep gorges.
- Avalanche Gorge: A popular hiking spot, beautiful yet treacherous, with steep drop-offs and fast-moving, icy water.
- (01:03–02:31)
“It's this icy blue creek full of small waterfalls that cascade over these moss covered boulders. It's surrounded by steep rock walls ... a little treacherous as well.”
— Holly (Host 1), 02:07
2. The Incident: A Family’s Hike Goes Awry
- Situation: A Florida family of four (father, mother, teenage son, older daughter) hikes the gorge and poses for a selfie on the edge.
- The Accident: Mom slips and falls into the gorge; the father and son attempt a rescue and also fall in.
- Hazards: 30-foot drop, rapid water current, and frigid temperatures.
- (02:34–04:12)
“...the mother and father were swept away ... their teenage son tried to go in after them.”
— Holly (Host 1), 03:31
“You can't contend with Mother Nature. Mother Nature will always win.”
— Emily (Host 2), 04:12
3. The Rescue: Bravery and Divine Timing
- Witnesses: Two brothers, Mike and Tommy Skidmore, and their nephew, on the trail with their families, encounter the frantic daughter.
- Immediate Action:
- The three men jump into the freezing, chest-high water to search for the parents.
- The mother is found unconscious, trapped under a log jam; Tommy, a doctor, begins CPR.
- The father is also retrieved, but he is unresponsive, requiring teamwork from bystanders to lift him from the currents.
- Skills that Saved Lives:
- Tommy is a doctor; Mike is a dentist. Both are CPR certified and immediately administer life-saving CPR to both parents.
- (04:48–06:44)
“The wife responded to CPR probably within the first minute ... It took a few minutes, probably three to five minutes, CPR to get him going.”
— Mike Skidmore, 06:44
“You needed two people who were CPR trained, which you just happen to have show up at that moment, who were cool under pressure and who got these people out immediately.”
— Holly (Host 1), 08:23
4. Aftermath: Miraculous Recovery
- Outcomes:
- All three rescued (mother, father, son) were taken to Logan Health in Kalispell and stabilized.
- The son, initially stranded on a fallen tree, was rescued by first responders rappelling down into the gorge.
- (07:10–07:27)
“Then all three were taken to Logan Health in Kalispell, and they are all in stable condition.”
— Narrator, 07:27
5. Faith and Interpretation: Miraculous, Not Coincidental
- Hosts’ Reflection:
- The hosts underline the belief that this was not just luck—God orchestrated for two medical professionals to be at the right place, right time.
- The event is labeled as divine intervention, not coincidence.
- (08:01–08:51)
“How often do we hear that ... all these people who are CPR trained just happen to be at the exact right spot and at that exact moment...obviously, we don't believe that. We believe that God puts these people there for a reason.”
— Holly (Host 1), 08:51
6. Practical Takeaways: Cautionary Advice
- Primary Tip: Don’t take selfies on cliffs—it’s not worth risking your life for a photo.
- Statistics: At least 480 people have reportedly died from taking selfies; more deaths occur from selfies than shark attacks each year.
- (09:24–10:16)
“Save a life, take less cool selfies. That's what we want you to learn.”
— Holly (Host 1), 11:29
7. Personal Anecdote and Humorous Warning
- Holly recounts her own recent near-miss while trying to take a “cute” photo with her daughter at Canyonlands National Park, underscoring that no photo is worth the risk.
- (10:18–11:52)
“Anyway, thanks everyone for joining us for this miracle in the news.”
— Holly (Host 1), 11:51
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
On the dangers of selfies:
“More people die every year from taking selfies than shark attacks.”
— Holly (Host 1), 10:09 -
On providence:
“We believe that God puts these people there for a reason.”
— Holly (Host 1), 08:51 -
On risk vs. reward:
“Save a life, take less cool selfies.”
— Holly (Host 1), 11:29 -
On faith and miracles:
“God is performing miracles all the time.”
— Emily (Host 2), 08:33
Timeline of Important Segments
- 01:03: Introduction to Glacier National Park
- 02:34: The family's accident and fall into the gorge
- 04:48: Mike and Tommy Skidmore and nephew spring into rescue
- 06:44: Medical CPR: Both parents revived on the shore
- 07:27: All family members in stable condition
- 08:51: Hosts’ discussion—chance vs. divine intervention
- 09:24: Selfie safety tips and surprising statistics
- 10:18: Holly’s personal anecdote about a selfie near-miss
Episode Takeaways
- Miracles happen: The simultaneous presence of two CPR-trained bystanders made the difference between life and death.
- Faith in action: Hosts attribute the outcome to divine intervention rather than chance.
- Selfie responsibly: Even beautiful places are dangerous; consider safety before posing for photos in risky spots.
Final Thoughts
The episode is a gripping account of tragedy narrowly avoided, highlighting the importance of preparedness, the power of courage and quick thinking, and the role faith plays in interpreting miraculous outcomes. Holly and Emily’s warm, conversational tone brings both levity and deep reflection to the story, leaving listeners both inspired and cautioned.