The body of a Seattle skier was found after he disappeared last week in Mount Rainier, while the search continues for two other hikers who disappeared in that same area, authorities said Monday.
The 28-year-old Matthew Bunker reportedly went missing on Friday after his partner saw him ski near Thumb Rock at about 10,400 feet, the National Park Service said in a statement. Bunker was going down the mountain when he probably fell on steep terrain.
ONGOING SEARCHES FOR RAIN EXCURSIONS OF 3 MOUNTAINS THAT ARE MISSING IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS
Her body was found Sunday in a crack in Liberty Ridge, an area known for its cliffs, frequent avalanches and rockfalls, authorities said. The dangerous terrain created too great a risk for air or ground crews to recover his body.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Matthew’s loved ones and friends,” said Tracy Swartout, associate superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park. “It brings us great pain not to be able to take her home with her family.”
Bunker served five years in the military after graduating from West Point in 2013.
(National Park Service)
National Park rangers made several helicopter flights over the area in search of Bunker, but strong winds and clouds on the slope hampered efforts, authorities said. The clearer weather on Sunday allowed a helicopter crew to fly closer to the mountain and locate Bunker’s body.
UTAH CLIMBER RESCUED FROM REMOTE CLIFF AFTER HITTING HEAD, LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS
Bunker graduated from West Point in 2013 before serving five years in the military, according to the statement. She is survived by her parents, who live in her hometown of Delavan, Wisconsin.
Bunker was the third person reported missing in Mount Rainier last week in separate incidents. Two other overland searches are ongoing for Vincent Djie, a 25-year-old Indonesian student living in Seattle, and Talal Sabbagh, a 27-year-old Seattle native, the park service said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Our collective hearts ache with the families and loved ones of those who are still missing, seeking comfort and answers during some of the most difficult days of their lives,” Swartout said.
