Body of missing Seattle skier found on Mount Rainier unable to be recovered; search for 2 others continue
His body was found in a crevasse at Liberty Ridge, an area known for its steep cliffs
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The body of a Seattle skier has been found after he disappeared last week on Mount Rainier, while the search for two other hikers who went missing in that same area continues, authorities said Monday.
Matthew Bunker, 28, was reported missing Friday after his partner last saw him skiing near Thumb Rock at about 10,400 feet, the National Park Service said in a statement. Bunker was descending the mountain when he likely fell on steep terrain.
SEARCHES UNDERWAY FOR 3 MOUNT RAINIER HIKERS MISSING IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}His body was found Sunday in a crevasse at Liberty Ridge, an area known for its steep cliffs, frequent avalanches and rockfalls, officials said. The hazardous terrain created too great a risk for aerial or ground teams to recover his body.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Matthew’s loved ones and friends,” said Tracy Swartout, deputy superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park. “It brings us a great degree of sorrow to be unable to bring him home to his 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 severe downslope winds and clouds hampered efforts, officials said. Clearer weather on Sunday allowed a helicopter crew to fly closer to the mountain and locate Bunker’s body.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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, the statement said. He is survived by his parents, who live in his hometown of Delavan, Wis.
Bunker was the third person reported missing on Mount Rainier last week in separate incidents. Two other ground searches remain ongoing for Vincent Djie, a 25-year-old Indonesian student living in Seattle, and 27-year-old Seattle native Talal Sabbagh, the park service said.
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“Our collective hearts ache with the families and loved ones of those who remain missing, who are seeking solace and answers during some of the most difficult days of their lives,” Swartout said.