Tragic Climbing Accident Claims Three Lives in Washington State

On May 10, 2025, a tragic climbing accident near North Early Winters Spire in Washington State resulted in three fatalities and one serious injury. Four climbers were rappelling when their shared anchor system failed, causing a 400-foot fall. Okanogan County Undersheriff David Yarnell stated, "All we know is that the anchor point they were all tied off to failed." The surviving climber, after a difficult hike, reached a payphone and called 911. He was hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. A Snohomish County helicopter rescue team assisted in recovering the bodies of the three deceased climbers, who were aged 36, 48, and 63, and all resided in the Seattle area. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in climbing and the importance of proper safety procedures.