Tragedy on the Trail: Remembering Diane Bunker’s Final Hike
What began as a peaceful hike through one of America’s most scenic landscapes turned into a heartbreaking tragedy earlier this week. Diane Bunker, a 73-year-old woman from Muscatine, Iowa, tragically lost her life while hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. According to park officials, the incident occurred on Wednesday between Big Bend and Triple Arches, where Diane accidentally stumbled and fell an estimated 450 feet down a steep drop along the rugged terrain.
Emergency responders were dispatched around 11:00 a.m. after her hiking group lost sight of her following the fall. Despite the swift efforts of Two Bear Air, who later recovered her body, Diane had already succumbed to traumatic injuries from the devastating fall. Her death has cast a shadow over a place known for its breathtaking beauty, reminding us all of nature’s unforgiving unpredictability.
A Life of Adventure, Kindness, and Grace
Diane Bunker was far more than a name in a tragic headline—she was a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and nature enthusiast. Known for her warm heart and boundless curiosity, Diane lived a life full of adventure, compassion, and grace. She often sought peace in the outdoors and believed in living life with both feet on the trail and eyes on the horizon. Her love for hiking and the natural world was only matched by her deep devotion to her family and community in Muscatine, Iowa.
Those who knew Diane speak of a woman with an unshakable spirit—kind, thoughtful, and always the first to lend a helping hand. Whether she was volunteering in her local church, organizing community walks, or planning her next national park trip, Diane inspired everyone around her with her joyful energy and zest for life.
A Sudden Goodbye in the Heart of Nature’s Beauty
As tragic as her passing is, there’s a certain poetic peace in knowing Diane spent her final moments doing what she loved most—exploring the great outdoors. The Going-to-the-Sun Road was temporarily closed from Logan Pass to Big Bend to allow for her body’s recovery, as park rangers and first responders handled the sensitive situation with care and compassion.
Her loss has left a profound impact—not only on her loved ones but on the hiking community at large. Hikers across the nation are sharing tributes, lighting candles, and dedicating trails in Diane’s honor. Her story is a sobering reminder of nature’s power but also a celebration of a woman who lived every step with intention and wonder.
May Diane Bunker be remembered not for the tragedy that took her life, but for the beautiful way she lived it. She will be missed beyond words.
