no guarantees

“This was in the morning report for May 19th. (national park service)



Mount Rainier National Park (WA)
Climber Succumbs After Evacuation Following Major Rescue Effort


Early on the morning of Saturday, May 15th, Peter Cooley, 39, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, was ascending Liberty Ridge with companion Scott Richards, 42, when he fell at the 11,800-foot level. Although the rope and belay arrested his fall and he was wearing a helmet, he suffered a severe head injury and possible leg and arm injuries. Richards contacted the park via cell phone just after 6 a.m. and reported the accident. Rescue efforts were immediately begun, but were hindered for two days by poor weather, steep terrain and the high elevation. In the interim, Richards carved out a flat platform for a tent on the 45 degree slope, got Cooley into a sleeping bag, and cared for him. After nearly three full days of concerted efforts by several teams of rescuers, rangers were finally able to get to Cooley late on Monday. The weather that had been the principal problem abated, making it possible for an Oregon National Guard Chinook helicopter to fly to the ridge. Cooley was strapped into a rescue litter and was hoisted into the hovering helicopter. Although still alive when extricated, he did not survive the flight and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Madigan Army Hospital. Participants in this major rescue effort included nearly 70 people from the park, Tacoma Mountain Rescue, Rainier Mountaineering and the Oregon National Guard. Mike Gauthier was IC.
[Submitted by Patti Wold, Public Information Officer]”

“Bummer.”