At a Glance
- Two climbers’ bodies were recovered on January 20, 2024 from the Wilson Glacier area of Mount Rainier National Park.
- The bodies were located at 9,600 feet in elevation.
- Both deaths were ruled accidental, caused by blunt force injuries.
Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the risks of winter climbing and the importance of staying in contact with emergency contacts.
The bodies of two missing climbers were recovered from the Wilson Glacier area of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, at approximately 9,600 feet in elevation, on January 20, 2024.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The National Park Service (NPS) said park rangers “initiated an inquiry” on Sunday, January 18, after identifying overdue climbing permits. Emergency contacts for the climbers reported that they had not been in contact since Saturday, January 17.
Search operations faced a significant delay on Monday, January 19, when weather conditions prevented aviation resources from accessing the area. Ground teams, however, reached the location on Tuesday, January 20, and confirmed two deceased individuals.
> “Searchers using spotting equipment subsequently observed two non-ambulatory individuals near Wilson Glacier,” the press release said.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan 17 | Last contact reported by emergency contacts |
| Jan 18 | Rangers initiate inquiry after overdue permits |
| Jan 19 | Weather blocks aviation resources |
| Jan 20 | Ground teams locate bodies |
Climber Identification and Cause of Death
According to the Seattle Times and Outside, the first climber was identified as Jiri Richter, 51. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office recorded his cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death as an accident.
KING 5 News identified the second climber as Ben Watson, 35, citing an email from his family and multiple social media posts. The medical examiner’s office lists him as Benjamin Ingersol Watson. His death was also ruled an accident, with the cause listed as blunt force injuries of the head.
| Climber | Age | Cause of Death | Manner of Death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jiri Richter | 51 | Multiple blunt force injuries | Accident |
| Benjamin Ingersol Watson | 35 | Blunt force injuries of head | Accident |
Park Safety Reminders and Weather Conditions
Days before the climbers were reported missing, Mount Rainier National Park posted a winter safety reminder on social media about rapidly changing conditions, including “whiteouts, avalanches, or injuries.” Backcountry travelers were urged to carry safety gear, emergency supplies, and navigation gear.
The weather delay on January 19 was a reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the backcountry. The NPS emphasized that climbers should remain in contact with emergency contacts and monitor weather reports closely.
Implications for Climbing Permits
The incident underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date climbing permits. Overdue permits can trigger investigations, as seen in this case when the NPS began its inquiry after discovering the permits were not current.
The NPS and the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office have not released further statements. However, News Of Los Angeles has reached out to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office for comment.
Key Takeaways
- Two climbers were found dead at 9,600 feet on January 20, 2024.
- Both deaths were ruled accidental, caused by blunt force injuries.
- Overdue climbing permits prompted the NPS inquiry.
- Weather conditions delayed rescue operations.
- The park’s winter safety reminder highlighted the need for gear and communication.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of winter climbing and the critical importance of preparedness, communication, and up-to-date permits.
