Bodies of two hikers recovered from Tolmie Peak | Mount Rainier National Park

The cause of death appears to be from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

November 3, 2020 9:00 am
Image courtesy the National Park Service
Image courtesy the National Park Service

The following is a press release from Mount Rainier National Park:

Rangers at Mount Rainier National Park yesterday recovered the bodies of two deceased individuals from Tolmie Peak, in the northwest corner of the park.

The bodies were discovered on Saturday, Oct. 31 by hikers. An investigation, while ongoing, suggests the individuals are deceased from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds that occurred during the previous few days.

Both victims are male, ages 29 and 34, and neither are from western Washington. Because the Mowich Lake Road is closed for the season, access to the area requires an 8.5 mile hike, passing closed gates.

Identification is not being released at this time, pending the notification of family. The bodies were flown out by helicopter and turned over to the Pierce County Medical Examiner on Sunday, Nov. 1.