A 78-year-old hiker reported missing in Skagit County, Washington, has been found dead in steep terrain that was inaccessible to search teams on the ground.
Peter Kalapaca was last seen at about 12.30pm on Thursday, 17 September, while hiking near the top of the Sauk Mountain Trail. His family had become separated from him during the outing.
The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office said search-and-rescue teams had been working on the ground and in the air after Kalapaca was reported missing. He was carrying limited food and water and was not prepared to remain in the area overnight.
A helicopter crew located him on Saturday in difficult terrain. The sheriff’s office said he was not moving and was deceased when found.
Because of the location, a technical recovery operation was carried out using a helicopter from North Cascades National Park. Search teams, air resources, mountain rescue personnel and partner agencies assisted in the operation.
The sheriff’s office said it was grateful for the efforts involved and extended its condolences to Kalapaca’s family and loved ones.
Andy Kalapaca, who is believed to have been Peter’s son, wrote in a comment on the sheriff’s office’s Facebook post: “Thank you SAR teams. Not the outcome we hoped, but Dad is home now.”
He added that the family was fortunate Kalapaca had not suffered and that his final steps had been taken while doing something he greatly enjoyed.
The Sauk Mountain Trail, which was temporarily closed during the search and recovery operation, has since reopened.
