It wasn’t until August 4—almost a month later—that a body matching Patil’s description was discovered, along with his clothing and hiking gear. The family’s worst fears were confirmed through DNA and dental records. The Patils endured over 60 days of uncertainty, hoping for a miracle or at least the closure that comes with knowing their son’s fate.
Patil’s maternal uncle, Pritesh Chaudhari, described the emotional toll on the family, telling a news agency, “Siddhant’s mother clung to hope every day, praying for her son’s return. Now, with his remains back home, we can finally find some closure.” The family expressed deep gratitude to Prem Bhandari, a prominent figure in the Indian diaspora, who helped navigate the legal hurdles of repatriating Patil’s remains from the United States. Chaudhari acknowledged Bhandari’s crucial role, saying, “He took our calls and ensured Siddhant’s remains would come home.”
In a heartfelt social media post, Bhandari thanked U.S. officials, including Pete Webster, Deputy Superintendent of Glacier National Park, and Jared Leo, Deputy Coroner, for their assistance. Mohan Nannapaneni, founder of TEAM Aid, a non-profit organization, also provided support to the family during their ordeal.
According to park officials, Patil had strayed from the main hiking trail and slipped into the creek while standing on a large rock. His friends watched in horror as he was pulled underwater and swept away by the strong currents. Search efforts were hampered by high water levels and dangerous conditions, forcing rescuers to use drones, helicopters, and specialized equipment to navigate the gorge.
As Patil’s remains were brought back to Pune, the family can now perform his last rites and honor his memory. Although this return provides a sense of closure, the grief of losing their beloved son in such a tragic manner will remain with them for a long time.