Body of W. MI hiker missing in MT found

WEST GLACIER, Mont. (WOOD) - The body of a West Michigan man who disappeared in a Montana national park has been found.

A Montana county coroner confirmed Thursday afternoon that remains found in Glacier National Park belong to Jakson Kreiser, according to a news release.

Kreiser, 19, of Hudsonville was last seen July 28 after going for a hike in the park. A search began the next day when he failed to return. A little more than a week later, Kreiser's family said they believed he had died.

The human remains were found around 12:30 p.m. Thursday by hikers in the park, according to the park's statement.

The Flathead County coroner and park rangers were then called to the scene and the coroner determined the remains belonged to Kreiser.

Kreiser planned to hike between Logan Pass and Avalanche Lake. The extensive search that followed in the days after his disappearance focused on the area between Hidden Lake and Avalanche Lake, which park authorities say contains "treacherous country filled with rock cliffs, water falls, wet and slippery rocks and boulders, and dense vegetation."

Kreiser's remains were found southwest of Hidden Lake, according to the release.

Kreiser was working a seasonal job at a nearby lodge. It was the first year he had worked in the area and a park service investigation learned he had very limited hiking experience.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.