In a tragic incident over the weekend, three climbers from suburban Seattle died in a fall at North Cascades National Park, approximately 16 miles west of Mazama. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office reported that the climbers were part of a four-member party descending a steep gully near North Early Winters Spire when the accident occurred on Sunday morning.
The fatalities included individuals aged 36, 47, and 63, all of whom perished at the scene. The fourth climber, who survived, sustained serious injuries, including internal bleeding and a traumatic brain injury. Despite his condition, he managed to extricate himself, walk to his car, and drive to a nearby payphone to call for assistance. He was subsequently transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, though his current status remains undisclosed.
Sheriff’s personnel and search and rescue volunteers quickly responded to the scene, where efforts were aided by a helicopter rescue team from Snohomish County, tasked with recovering the bodies from the challenging mountainous terrain. Preliminary investigations suggest that anchor failure during rappelling may have led to the tragic fall, and an official inquiry is ongoing.
This unfortunate event underscores the inherent dangers associated with climbing in such rugged terrains, highlighting the need for caution and proper safety measures. The climbing community is mourning the loss of the three victims, whose lives were cut short while engaging in their passion for adventure.
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