News Release

Climber Fatality and Recovery on Mount Rainier

Date: June 2, 2023
Contact: Kevin Bacher, 360-569-6567

At 7:30 am on the morning of May 31, 2023, an individual participating in a guided climb on Mount Rainier collapsed near the summit of the mountain. Brian Harper, 41, of Bremerton, Washington, was participating in an expedition led by Alpine Ascents International (AAI), one of the licensed guide services on the mountain. No breathing or pulse could be found, and CPR was unsuccessful. 

Over the next day, climbing guides with AAI and Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. worked with National Park Service climbing and aviation rangers to bring Mr. Harper’s body down from the summit. Weather conditions were finally favorable for the park’s A-STAR helicopter to complete the mission at 10:30 am on June 1. The Pierce County Medical Examiner will determine a cause of death. 

www.nps.gov/mora