The men, aged 37 and 59, were found dead in Washington's Gifford Pinchot National Forest after an extensive search. Rescuers cited exposure and ill preparedness as causes.
Tragic Search for Sasquatch Ends in Deaths of Two Oregon Men
Tragic Search for Sasquatch Ends in Deaths of Two Oregon Men
Authorities in Skamania County report the discovery of two men who lost their lives during a quest for the elusive Sasquatch in remote wilderness.
Two men tragically lost their lives while on an adventure to find Sasquatch in the remote forests of Washington State, according to the Skamania County Sheriff's Office. The duo, who hailed from Portland, Oregon, was reported missing on Christmas Day, prompting a three-day search involving over 60 volunteers, aircraft, and specialized dogs.
The search was launched when a family member notified authorities after the two men failed to return from their trip to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Given the harsh weather conditions characterized by freezing rain, snow, and sub-zero temperatures, the search was described as "grueling."
The sheriff's office indicated that both men, aged 37 and 59, were presumed to have succumbed to exposure due to their lack of adequate preparation for the harsh environmental conditions. The officials located the victims' vehicle near Willard, which led teams to re-focus the search efforts in that vicinity. Search techniques also included drone deployment and assistance from a Coast Guard helicopter unit.
Prior to and during the search, temperatures in the Cascade mountains plummeted, creating dangerous conditions. Rescuers faced additional challenges from swollen river levels and fallen trees.
The phenomenon of Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, continues to captivate the public imagination, with countless sightings reported across the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. The creature, often compared to the Loch Ness Monster, has so intrigued communities that legislation has been established to protect it. In Skamania County, for instance, harming a Sasquatch carries a hefty fine of $1,000 and possible jail time. This unique law, enacted in 1969, was designed to safeguard both the mythical creature and the interests of elk hunters sporting particularly prominent beards.
