Mount Rainier National Park successfully recovered the body of a 30 year-old Washington man who, on July 3, had fallen into a hole above Pebble Creek while descending on skis from Camp Muir.
Since the initial report, the park has conducted over 22 ground and air searches of the area. Late-season snow cover, combined with unstable conditions prevented locating the skier until the snow over Pebble Creek melted out. In early August the body of the missing skier was located at the bottom of a waterfall approximately 30 meters from the location where he had fallen into Pebble Creek. Since then, the park has been monitoring the site, including snow and water conditions, awaiting an opportunity to safely access the area.
On Saturday, Aug. 19, a team of eight search and rescue personnel safely reached the body for extraction by a long line helicopter operation. The individual was then transferred to the Pierce County Examiner, who will confirm positive identification.
Over 40 personnel assisted in the search and recovery, including Mountain Rescue Association and Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue’s Swift Water Team. The park’s exclusive use helicopter was used.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
