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Rockfall Kills Hiker At North Cascades National Park

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Published Date

August 12, 2015
Easy Pass and Fisher Peak at North Cascades National Park/NPS

A hiker died when struck in the head by a falling boulder in the Easy Pass area of North Cascades National Park/file photo of Easy Pass and Fisher Peak by NPS

A Washington man out hiking in North Cascades National Park with friends was killed when a boulder fell from above and hit him in the head.

Park officials said the 46-year-old, identified by The Bellingham Herald as Eric Moldver, died Sunday while hiking in the Fisher Peak area near Easy Pass.  Other members of his group responded immediately to provide first aid and initiated CPR.

One of the hikers headed down to get help and was able to contact an off-duty park ranger, who radioed for assistance, a park release said. Helicopter Express, contracted by the National Park Service, was dispatched with park rescue personnel, who recovered the body.

Rock falls are a natural and dynamic geologic process, the release said, adding that "hikers are encouraged to wear helmets and hike parallel to one another rather than in a line."

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Comments

Submitted by Amy Johns on August 12, 2015 - 10:53am.

What does it mean to "hike parallel to one another" and how does that prevent accidents such as this one?


Submitted by Yvonne on August 12, 2015 - 11:04am.

How do you hike parallel when the trail is a foot wide? You stay on the trail and be vigilant about your surroundings.


Submitted by wild places on August 12, 2015 - 2:49pm.

Well, I never imagined drivers would be forced to wear seat belts, kids would have to wear helmets to ride a bike, skiers needed helmets, and monkey bars were too dangerous so why am I surprised to read hikers are encouraged to wear helmets. I am in the process of patenting my shower helmet which can also be worn in your rocking chair. Anyone want to invest?


Submitted by wild places on August 12, 2015 - 2:58pm.

And while I'm feeling creative, I've got this idea for a hiking bear canister which would be required any time you take a hike in bear country. Much like those for food but designed to protect the hiker and end the need to euthanize problem bears. A large human sized polycarbonate barrel with leg and neck holes. Upon encountering a bear the hiker just retracts their appendages (much like a turtle) until the bear tires of trying to pry you out.


Submitted by S on August 12, 2015 - 4:35pm.

Turn sideways??


Submitted by ctmalley on August 12, 2015 - 6:11pm.

Hiking parallel (side by side) would reduce the probability of a hiker getting hit. However, if the boulder hits one hiker, it could hit others like a bowling ball taking down pins.


Submitted by Skeeter on August 18, 2015 - 8:51pm.

love this idea.  ;-)


Submitted by Because Words Matter on August 18, 2015 - 8:53pm.

"Hiking parallel" ?!


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