Three climbers fell to their deaths Sunday while they were descending a steep gully in North Cascades National Park, officials said.
Okanogan County Sheriff’s deputies and volunteers responded to the incident late Sunday morning in a rocky area of North Early Winders Spire.
Four climbers from Renton were involved in the fall. The sole survivor suffered internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries.
The man managed to walk to his car and drive to a pay phone to seek help despite his severe wounds.
“He didn’t realize he had a significant of internal injuries as he did,” County Undersheriff David Yarnell said.
Three other climbers died at the scene. Their ages were 36, 47, and 63.
Investigators said the cause of the incident was anchor failure while rappelling.
