Traveling nurse drowns while visiting Glacier National Park after falling into creek

Gillian Tones, 26, drowned after falling into a creek at Glacier National Park in Montana. (GoFundMe | Glacier National Park Service via MGN)

West Glacier, Mont.

Authorities say a 26-year-old woman drowned after falling into a creek at a national park in Montana over the weekend.

According to the National Park Service, the woman slipped on slick rocks and fell into Virginia Creek between St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls at Glacier National Park on Sunday.

The woman, later identified as Gillian Tones, was quickly swept up by cold, fast-moving water and went over a series of smaller waterfalls before being pinned underwater by a log for several minutes.

Authorities said other park visitors helped pull her out of the water but despite resuscitation efforts from rescuers and first responders, Tones was pronounced dead at about 7 p.m.

Family members told WTAE that Tones was a free spirit and worked as a traveling nurse, earning an award for her work.

“She was a truly bright light in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her presence radiated warmth and positivity. She had an uncanny ability to lift the spirits of those around her,” loved ones shared through a GoFundMe. “Her compassion and empathy knew no bounds. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and listening ear.”

Park officials thanked first responders and the other park visitors for their help that day.

Officials also extended their “deepest condolences” to the Tones family.

‘I was hyperventilating!’: Man wins $6M from scratch-off ticket thanks to playing lucky number

The lucky player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought his winning ticket at a 7-Eleven located in Clinton Township. (Michigan Lottery)

Wayne County, Mich.

A 32-year-old Michigan man won a massive lottery jackpot thanks to purchasing a scratch-off ticket while stopping at an area convenience store.

Michigan Lottery officials said the man, who chose not to disclose his identity, bought the winning $50 500X Money Maker ticket at a 7-Eleven store in Clinton Township.

“I play lottery games every once in a while, and this 500X Money Maker ticket was only the second ticket I have purchased so far this year,” the lottery winner said.

According to the new millionaire, he asked the clerk what the ticket number was on the next ticket, and he purchased it after hearing it was his and his wife’s lucky number of 14.

“I scratched the ticket off and when I saw I won $6 million, I started hyperventilating! I had to take the day off work because I was in a state of shock. I texted my wife and said: ‘Lucky number 14,’” the man shared.

He chose to receive his winnings in a one-time lump sum payment of $4.1 million.

“Congratulations to the lucky player and his wife on an incredible $6 million win,” Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli said. “Creating life-changing moments for our players is incredibly exciting and I hope this prize has a positive impact on this player and his family for many years to come.”

The lucky player said he plans to invest his newfound wealth, help his family and start a business.

Worker dies after falling from tree day before birthday, family says

Manuel Moran, 51, leaves behind a family with three children, according to a GoFundMe account made in his honor. (GoFundMe)

Alpharetta, Ga.

A tree cutter in Georgia died after he reportedly fell more than 20 feet from a tree while working Wednesday morning.

According to multiple reports, the worker, identified by family as 51-year-old Manuel Moran, fell while he was working on Broadwell Oaks Drive in the Alpharetta area.

He was rushed to the hospital, but did not survive, WSB-TV reports.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Manuel Moran, a beloved husband, father, and dedicated professional,” Moran’s friends and family shared through a GoFundMe.

Moran’s loved ones said he was a man of many talents and a dedicated tree specialist.

He also leaves behind a wife and three children.

“In this difficult time, we are reaching out to friends, family, and kind-hearted individuals for support. The funds raised will go towards funeral expenses ensuring that his loved ones are cared for as he would have wished,” the GoFundMe stated.

Authorities did not immediately share what caused Moran to fall from the tree.

Moran’s family shared that he would have turned 52 years old on Thursday.

‘I’ve waited a long time for this’: Woman receives master’s degree from Stanford at 105

At the age of 105, Virginia “Ginger” Hislop graduated from Stanford Graduate School of Education with her master’s degree. (Charles Russo | Stanford University)

Stanford, Calif.

A 105-year-old woman received her master’s degree from Stanford University, finishing her education journey that began over 80 years ago.

Virginia “Ginger” Hislop graduated from Stanford Graduate School of Education last week.

When she started on campus in 1936, she planned to get her bachelor’s degree in education, which she did in 1940, and obtain her master’s degree so she could teach.

According to the university, Hislop started on her master’s degree. But just after completing her coursework and before turning in her final thesis, her then-boyfriend George Hislop got called to serve in World War II.

George Hislop was a student at Standford and in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps when he got the call, prompting the pair to get married and Virginia Hislop to leave campus before graduating.

Eighty-three years later, Virginia Hislop returned to Stanford to finish what she started and receive her graduate degree.

When she rose from her seat during last Sunday’s ceremony in her cap and gown to walk across the stage, the crowd roared with applause, university representatives shared.

“My goodness,” she said. “I’ve waited a long time for this.”

Virginia Hislop was handed her diploma and smiled for the cameras.

Her grandkids, who were also in attendance, waved and cheered for their grandmother and her long-awaited accomplishments.

2 teen girls die after their jet ski crashes into a boat while at the lake

Two teenage girls were killed Tuesday evening when their jet ski collided with a boat on Lake Marie in Illinois. (sshepard via Canva)

Antioch, Ill.

Authorities in Illinois are investigating a deadly crash that involved a jet ski and a boat on Lake Marie earlier this week.

According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, its marine unit responded to a jet ski versus boat crash Tuesday evening.

A 16-year-old, later identified as Sarina Vootkur, and 13-year-old, Elle Kim, were on the jet ski when they collided with a boat being operated by a 55-year-old man as they were approaching the Gass Lake Channel.

Witnesses reported the jet ski was traveling at a high rate of speed directly toward the boat and the man was unable to avoid the collision.

Authorities said Vootkur was operating the jet ski with Kim as the passenger.

The teen girls were both wearing life vests, but they were knocked unconscious and thrown into the water.

Four people were on the boat, and they immediately pulled the girls from the water, rendered aid and called 911.

One of the girls was taken back to shore by the operator of the boat while the other was taken in by a passing vessel.

The girls were transported to a nearby hospital but pronounced dead after arriving.

No other injuries were reported in the crash.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office reported the teens died from blunt force injuries sustained in the collision.

The crash remains under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Conservation Police.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said its team extends its condolences to the families of the girls and others involved in the tragic boat crash.