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Contact: Rainey McKenna, 360-565-2985 Contact: Barb Maynes, 360-565-3005
On Monday, October 26 rangers responded to a report of a fatality at Olympic Hot Springs in the Elwha Valley of Olympic National Park. Rangers found the individual, Bruce Gunderson, deceased in a hot spring pool. Due to health and safety concerns, the Olympic Hot Springs pools have been closed to public use. "Although use of Olympic Hot Springs has always been at the discretion and risk of the visitor, we have closed the pools until further notice due to public health and safety concerns following this tragic incident," said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. Olympic Hot Springs are natural, unmaintained hot water seeps located approximately 2.5 miles from the Boulder Creek Trailhead in the Elwha Valley. The pools are in a wilderness area and not tested or treated by the park. Boulder Creek Campground will remain open. Gunderson, 61, is from Silverdale, Washington. The cause of death is under investigation. Natural causes are suspected. |
Last updated: November 3, 2015