Death on Mt. Rainier, Rescue of Two Others Underway–

Three people planning an early summer day hike on Mt. Rainier were surprised by a sudden snowstorm yesterday.  One of the hikers, whose name has not been released, is said to have died while two others are currently awaiting rescue.

The three climbers, who are all said to be in their thirties, are from bellevue, Washington.  Two in the group, which had two males and one female, had successfully summited Mt. Rainier, previously.  The group became stuck after traversing across the Muir snowfield when a sudden snowstorm disabled them from returning.

The two climbers who have survived, are still sitting at 10,000 Ft. awaiting rescue.  Weather yesterday evening prevented rescue helicopters from getting close, but new efforts were to be made today.  The two climbers are said to be suffering from hypothermia and frostbite, but are currently being taken care of at Camp Muir.

Authorities are hoping to be able to reach the stranded hikers as soon as the weather clears.  Mt. Rainier received two feet of fresh snow with 5 foot drifts in some areas.

For more on this story, head on over to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer