Three climbers from Renton, Washington, tragically died during a descent in North Cascades National Park over the weekend. The incident occurred on Sunday morning around 16 miles west of Mazama, in an area known for its challenging rock formations. The group of four climbers was navigating a steep gully near North Early Winters Spire when they fell. Sheriff’s officials reported that the deceased were ages 36, 47, and 63, and died at the scene.
The fourth climber survived despite sustaining severe injuries, including internal bleeding and a traumatic brain injury. After the fall, he managed to free himself and walked to his vehicle, where he drove to a nearby payphone to call for assistance. He was subsequently transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, though his current condition remains unknown.
The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the presumed cause of the accident was anchor failure while rappelling. Search and rescue teams, including a helicopter unit from Snohomish County, were deployed to recover the bodies from the difficult terrain. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, which has drawn attention due to the dangers associated with climbing in such rugged areas. The tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in outdoor recreational activities.
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