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Contact: Lee Taylor, 360-569-6562
The search for a snowshoer missing since Saturday afternoon continues today on Mount Rainier, with more than 90 people from a variety of organizations involved in the search effort. Yong Chun Kim, 66, of Tacoma, was leading 16 members of a hiking club on a snowshoe hike in the Paradise area Saturday afternoon when he became separated from the group and failed to return. The search is currently focused on the Stevens Creek drainage, based on tracks discovered late Sunday leading in that direction from near the point where Yong Chun Kim was last seen. The search is occcurring in mountainous terrain at an elevation of 4,000-6,000 feet. The weather has been wintery, with fresh snow each day, low temperatures in the teens, and high winds. Yong Chun Kim is an experienced snowshoer who was well equipped for a day hike, but was not prepared to be out overnight. "We are grateful for the assistance we are getting from so many different organizations," said Park Superintendent Randy King. "Hopefully with their help we will locate Mr. Kim today." Organizations participating in the search include National Park Service staff from Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks; Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol; German Shepherd Search Dogs; Volcanoes Rescue Units from Tacoma, Seattle, Olympic, Portland, and Central Washington. -NPS- |
Last updated: February 28, 2015