Yesterday’s memorial service for Mount Rainier National Park Climbing Ranger Nick Hall was attended by an estimated 450 people, filling both floors of the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise.  Additional people watched the service via live stream video at the Paradise Inn and at other locations across the park and country.

The service began at 10:00 a.m. and lasted approximately 90 minutes.  Hall was remembered in presentations by both his father Carter and brother Aaron, and by several friends and coworkers.

Video coverage of the service can be viewed and downloaded at the DVIDS, Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System, website http://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/2477.

Park staff and volunteers extend their gratitude to friends and donors including Washington’s National Park Fund, the Soup Ladies and members of the park staff who contributed support in preparation for the memorial service and reception that followed.

Meanwhile, park staff awaits a favorable weather window to allow another attempt to remove Hall from the mountain.  Current forecasts indicate Monday may provide a short window of opportunity for a safe recovery. Staff will continue to monitor weather and mountain conditions.  Safety of park staff remains the priority for both the Hall family and the park.

Rangers attempted to retrieve Hall from Mount Rainier on Thursday, but were forced to call off the mission due to high winds and deteriorating weather.

Nick Hall died on June 21, 2012 while responding to a rescue of four injured climbers on Mount Rainier.  All four climbers were safely evacuated from the mountain.