The body of a 35-year-old Seattle man who fell while coming down Dewey Peak in Mount Rainier National Park has been recovered.
Park staff said the climber, Stephen Kornbluth, 35, fell while descending from the peak on Tuesday. He and his two companions were attempting a technical ascent of the peak’s west face, which is located on the east side of the park about 3½ miles south of Chinook Pass.
After the fall, the two surviving climbers reported the accident by 911 cell phone call, then descended to their fallen companion but were unable to revive him.
Rangers from Mount Rainier National Park responded, in cooperation with Yakima County Sheriff’s Office and Greenwater Fire Department. Rangers were unable to reach the site that evening due to the difficult terrain and late hour. On Wednesday morning, they conducted a short-haul recovery of Kornbluth’s body using the park’s helicopter. The body has been released to the Pierce County Medical Examiner.
Comments
I am Stephen's aunt who lives in Seattle, Wa. I am sadden to hear of my nephew's death. Stephen was such a brilliant loving nephew who loved the outdoors. Before I moved to Seattle from Miami, Florida, I brought Stephen out here from Miami to Seattle to see the wonderful mountains and touced snow for the first time in his life. Stephen was 11 years old back then. I remember Stephen telling me on our flight back to Miami "aunt Debbie, someday I will be back to climb those mountains." Stephen enjoyed the outdoor adventures, including mountain climbing.
So sorry for your loss. Stephen must have been an amazing young man. Those beautiful mountains are hard to resist. I totally understand his fascination with them. May he Rest In Peace.