Tragedy struck the Pacific Northwest this holiday season, as a search for the mythical Sasquatch ended in the loss of two lives. According to the Skamania County Sheriff's Office, two Portland men were reported overdue from a Sasquatch hunting trip on Christmas Day. Their intended return was scheduled for the previous day, which prompted alarm from their family members.
The initial lead came from Flock camera footage, which captured the missing men's vehicle off Oklahoma Road, near Willard, Washington. This footage led the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator to locate the vehicle precisely. Despite the dedication of over 60 volunteers, who worked through the holiday under extreme conditions, the search ended after three days when the two men, aged 59 and 37, were found deceased. The Sheriff's Office indicated that exposure and lack of preparation for the inclement weather were the likely causes of their deaths.
The efforts of the volunteers were nothing short of heroic, sacrificing their Christmas with family to traverse through snow, rain, and treacherous woods. In their mission, they utilized canine units, drones, and even assistance from the United States Coast Guard. "These phenomenal volunteers also fought through freezing temperatures, snow, high water levels, heavy rain, downfall, and heavily wooded terrain," a statement from the Sheriff’s Office. Their exhaustive efforts were crucial in returning the lost men home to their respective families.
The search involved local Search and Rescue teams from Skamania, Klickitat, and nearby counties, as well as specialized groups like Silver Star Search and Rescue and P.N.W. Search and Rescue. The Coast Guard also provided air support in challenging weather.
