News Release

Mazama Ridge Search Comes to a Conclusion

Date: June 8, 2018
Contact: Patti Wold, 360-569-6563

On Thursday, June 7th, an overdue hiker was located by ground teams in the Paradise River drainage near 4th Crossing in Mount Rainier National Park.
 
The hiker, aged 76, set out on a day hike of Mazama Ridge at an unknown time on Wednesday, June 6th. He was reported overdue at 8:00 am the following day. At noon, hasty search teams began a ground search. The subject was located at 4:45 pm on Thursday, June 7th. He showed no signs of life and was released to the Pierce County Medical Examiner.
 
The subject is experienced hiking in the area and is known to carry the essentials, including a map and compass. The incident command team was able to focus search efforts based on a note the subject left for family notifying them of his hiking plans.
 
Twenty-seven individuals were involved in the operations including Olympic and Tacoma Mountain Rescues, and Mount Rainier National Park personnel.

-NPS-