Two Hikers Die On Mountain

“On Tuesday, May 24th, climbing rangers recovered the remains of two missing hikers from 8,000 feet on the Muir Snowfield. Climbing rangers Stefan Lofgren, Bree Loewen and Andy Anderson, assisted by a Long Ranger helicopter, recovered the remains of Timothy Stark, 57, and his nephew Greg Stark, 27, both of Lakewood, Washington. Climbing ranger Mike Gauthier saw the hikers at 9,000 feet on his trip up to Camp Muir on Saturday. The two fell behind Gauthier’s party and may have attempted to head back down the route due to a drastic change in weather that hit suddenly. The storm brought whiteout conditions and over a foot of snow, making travel difficult. The backpacks of the two victims contained a tent and enough gear to spend the night out of the elements. The extreme weather conditions may have prevented them from putting up their tent. It appears that they may have become exhausted, sat down and succumbed to the weather. The incident commander was Mike Gauthier.
[Submitted by Patti Wold, Interpretive Media Specialist]
NPS Morning Report”

“Sad, but part of the risk. Mother nature can be a real she-b@tch”

“Very sad be careful you guys. Don't want to read about anyone from Trail Talk unless it is good news.”

“sad, but yes, but everyone else says. it's not always without danger out there.”

“Not enough to have gear, got to have the knowledge to use it. Feel for all their relatives and friends.”

“My best friend is climbing Mt Hood this weekend. I know it is easier than Mt Ranier, but I cant help worrying about her. She is unexperienced, but will have a guide. I hate to hear stories like this because it is possible for anyone to get in this situation.”

“People climb Mt. Rainier to train for Mt. Everest saying it has the same hazards.

There were white out conditions since the two were not found near each other. It's very sad, but when the weather gets nice here, people die left and right from outdoor activities. It's just expected along with drownings. People go in the water to save the other person and they both drown in most cases.

Five people died on Mt. Rainier last year.

Ways to die in WA state: avalanches, climbing Mt. Rainier, drowning in lakes, rivers or turning your back on the Pacific coast with it's sneaker waves that come in quick and pull you out, skiing out of bounds, and serial killers.”

“Way to comfort Embear, there LH. Sheesh.”

“I suspect the most common cause of traumatic death in Washington state (and every state) is directly related to the automobile. One is more likely to be killed driving to the mountain than on the mountain. Off to Rainier tomorrow, I hope Gregs car has airbags?”

“More. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050525/ap_on_re_us/rainier_climbers”

“ASPEN (AP) - A 66-year-old Glenwood Springs man missing since last Tuesday apparently fell at least 1,200 feet down a snow chute to his death, Gunnison County sheriff officials said Monday.


Rescuers found the body of Jose Lopez on the south side of the 14,092-foot-high Snowmass Mountain in Gunnison County about 2:30 p.m. Monday, Undersheriff Rick Besecker said.

Lopez' body was found near the exact spot where Mark Golden, 32, of Arvada, died last June. Besecker said both Lopez and Golden were experienced climbers who may have been seeking a shortcut while on the way down from the summit.

Lopez had been hiking with his wife Sept. 20, who decided to return to their vehicle and waited through the night for his return.

Rescuers planned to use ropes and horsemen to recover Lopez's body on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, about 50 searchers, along with at least six dog teams and two helicopters were to continue their search for a Lakewood woman missing since late Saturday.

Michelle Vanek was last seen near Mount of the Holy Cross wearing black pants, a black shirt and blue windbreaker, Eagle County Lt. Kim Andree said.

Vanek told her hiking partner she was tired. The man went to the summit without her and couldn't find her while on his way back down.

Editors: Eagle County sheriff's officials are asking anyone who may have spoken or seen Vanek on Saturday to call (970) 328-8500.”

“Wow Roam....we were so lucky. That totally could have been us.”

“Alright, that's enough, no more dying around here.”

“yeah, i freaked out a little bit when I heard about that guy on the radio monday morning.”

“Earlier today, I was trying to look up what happened to the hiker lost on Mt. Rainier about two months ago, because I was told he was found dead in a tent on a forest service road.

To my surprise, my google search brought up missing hikers in every state. These can be local news topics, so we are unaware of how many people go missing every year.”