OKANOGAN COUNTY, WA — A climbing trip turned deadly when three people were killed, and a fourth injured, after rappelling near North Early Winters Spire – about 16 miles west of Mazama, Washington. Authorities suspect a failed rappel anchor was to blame.
Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue teams responded around 11:30 a.m. after receiving a distress call about a climbing accident in the North Cascades.
One Survivor, Three Fatalities
The four climbers, all from Renton, Washington, were descending a steep gully when tragedy struck.
“Three individuals were confirmed deceased at the accident site,” said the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office in a statement. The fourth climber managed to hike out and notify law enforcement.
Snohomish County’s Helicopter Rescue Team was brought in to recover the victims from the challenging, technical terrain.
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Suspected Cause: Anchor Failure While Rappelling
Early investigation points to an anchor failure during rappelling as the likely cause of the fall.
“The presumed cause of the accident is an anchor failure while rappelling, with more investigation still ongoing,” officials said.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased, but confirmed their ages as 36, 47, and 63.
Community in Mourning
The sheriff’s office thanked search and rescue volunteers and Snohomish County responders for their assistance.
“Our thoughts are with the family members and friends of those involved,” the statement read.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing as climbing communities and loved ones await more answers.
