News Release

Visitor Fatality and Recovery at Ricksecker Point

Date: January 10, 2021
Contact: Kevin Bacher, Public Information Officer, 360-569-6567

Rangers at Mount Rainier National Park today recovered the body of Constance Markham, 65, of Eatonville, Washington, from a steep slope below Ricksecker Point in the southwest corner of the park. Markham’s accidental fall was reported at 12:30 pm yesterday. Searchers located her in steep, hazardous terrain and confirmed that she was deceased. A ground team returned to the area today and she was recovered using a helicopter to complete the extrication.

Twenty-two National Park Service employees participated in the incident, assisted by thirteen Mountain Rescue Association personnel from Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympic Units; eight Nordic Patrol volunteers; and one person from Pierce County Fire District 23. A Bell 206 helicopter from Northwest Helicopters in Olympia was used for today’s recovery. Markham’s body was turned over to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s office this afternoon.

www.nps.gov/mora