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Missing 25 year old hiker found on Mount Pugh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  09/10/2017

CONTACT: Rick Hawkins, Lieutenant, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office media line:  425-249-6263

Darrington, WASH. –  On Saturday September 9, 2017 Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue (SCVSAR) members responded to Mt. Pugh to search for a 25 year old Seattle man. The missing hiker called 911 from his cell phone Saturday around 4:00 p.m. stating he had become separated from his hiking partner and was off trail, lost in the fog, near the summit of Mt Pugh.  The phone reception was weak and specific coordinates could not be obtained. The subject was not equipped to spend the night wearing only light clothing and tennis shoes.

Over twenty Search & Rescue Volunteers and a Sheriff’s Office Deputy set up search operations at Mt. Pugh Trail Head. Weather conditions on the mountain were wet and foggy.   The temperature was in the low 40’s near the summit. Search & Rescue Volunteers ascended Mt Pugh to the 6300’ level where they eventually made voice contact with the missing subject around 1:00 a.m. The subject was stuck on a small ledge along a cliff face experiencing hypothermic symptoms. Rescuers were able to reach the subject, warm him and then walk him out to safety around 5:30 a.m. today.

The hiking partner had safely made his way out of the area by 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

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