MOUNT RAINER, WA – Rangers at Mount Rainier National Park yesterday recovered the bodies of two deceased individuals from Tolmie Peak, in the northwest corner of the park. The bodies were discovered on Saturday, October 31 by hikers. An investigation, while ongoing, suggests the individuals are deceased from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds that occurred during the previous few days.
Both victims are male, ages 29 and 34, and neither are from western Washington. Because the Mowich Lake Road is closed for the season, access to the area requires an 8.5 mile hike, passing closed gates.
Identification is not being released at this time, pending the notification of family. The bodies were flown out by helicopter and turned over to the Pierce County Medical Examiner on Sunday, November 1.