Climber Dies Near Summit Of Mount Rainier

Published Date

June 2, 2023

A Washington man died trying to summit Mount Rainier/Rebecca Latson file

A Washington man trying to summit Mount Rainier collapsed and died near the summit of the mountain.

Brian Harper, 41, of Bremerton, was on a guided climb Wednesday led by Alpine Ascents International when he collapsed about 7:30 a.m. near the top of the 14,441-foot mountain. Guides could not detect a pulse and CPR was unsuccessful.

Over the next day, climbing guides with AAI and Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. worked with National Park Service climbing and aviation rangers to bring Harper’s body down from the summit. Weather conditions were finally favorable for the park’s A-STAR helicopter to complete the mission at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. The Pierce County Medical Examiner will determine a cause of death.

Mount Rainier National Park

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