Skier Missing On Liberty Ridge

Date: June 27, 2020"A search is underway for a climber missing since yesterday on Liberty Ridge, on the north side of Mount Rainier.

Matthew Bunker, of Seattle, was reported missing by the other member of
his climbing party at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26. Bunker had been
skiing ahead of his partner near Thumb Rock, at about 10,400 feet
elevation, as they were descending from the upper mountain on skis, and
was believed to have fallen in the steep terrain.

The National Park Service’s exclusive use helicopter was on its way back
to Mount Rainier from North Cascades National Park where it had been
part of aviation training for North Cascades rangers. The helicopter
diverted to perform an initial reconnaissance on the area. Severe down
slope winds around Liberty Ridge prevented the helicopter from getting
close to the terrain, and the crew was unable to locate the missing
climber before returning to base at Mount Rainier.

A second reconnaissance flight went out later in the evening with three
climbing rangers aboard to gather further information on the incident
and attempt to locate Bunker. The helicopter and crew again encountered
severe down slope winds and increasing clouds, which limited their
ability to approach the ridge. The second flight also ended without the
missing climber being located. Poor flying conditions at the location
have prevented additional flights today.

The terrain below where Bunker went missing is near the location of the
Liberty Ridge tragedy that claimed the lives of six climbers in 2014. It
is very steep, terminates in cliffs, and is known for frequent
avalanches and active rockfall. This, combined with the broken surface
of the Carbon Glacier, will prevent the deployment of ground teams in
this search. The Park Service is not asking for any assistance in the
continued search for Matthew Bunker. Further helicopter searches are
planned when more stable weather comes through the area early next week."www.nps.gov/mora/learn/news/search-under...on-liberty-ridge.htm

Very sad

Very sad indeed. Mathew was a friend of mine and to many others in the back country ski community. Hoping for a good outcome. Looks grim.

www.nps.gov/mora/learn/news/liberty-ridg...s-skier-fatality.htm

News Release Date: June 29, 2020
Contact: Patti Wold , 360-569-6701

Liberty Ridge Search Confirms Skier Fatality

The body of a missing climber was located today along the base of Liberty Ridge. Matthew Bunker, 28-years-old of Seattle, was reported missing on Liberty Ridge by the other member of his climbing party on Friday, June 26. Bunker was skiing behind his partner at approximately 10,400 feet in elevation, near Thumb Rock. As they were descending from Thumb Rock, unknown events caused his fall in steep, treacherous terrain.

The National Park Service’s exclusive use A-Star B3 helicopter, with Mount Rainier National Park climbing rangers aboard, conducted several aerial reconnaissance missions during the search. On previous missions, the helicopter crew encountered severe downslope winds and clouds which hampered search efforts. Clear skies on June 29th at the incident location, along with a change in wind strength and direction, allowed the park helicopter and climbing rangers to fly close enough to the mountain long enough to conduct a thorough search. He was located in a crevasse at the base of a cliff that is inaccessible by ground or aviation teams. The area is subject to continuous rock and ice fall which pose too high of a risk for rescue personnel to access the location and recover Matthew.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Matthew’s loved ones and friends” stated Tracy Swartout, Deputy Superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park. “It brings us a great degree of sorrow to be unable to bring him home to his family.” Matthew’s parents, Carolyn and Joe Bunker, live in Delavan, Wisconsin, his hometown. Bunker graduated from West Point in 2013 and proudly spent five years in the military serving his country.

Two unrelated ground search efforts continue for Vincent Djie in the Longmire/Van Trump area, and Talal Sabbagh in the Paradise area, as local conditions allow. Regarding these two ongoing searches, the park continues to work closely with the two families. Deputy Superintendent Swartout shared “each and every person that goes missing on Mount Rainier is deeply concerning. Our collective hearts ache with the families and loved ones of those who remain missing, who are seeking solace and answers during some of the most difficult days of their lives.”

Park staff appreciate the public sharing valuable information in the early days of the searches for Vincent and Talal. Please note that Mount Rainier National Park is not requesting assistance from the public in these ongoing ground searches. Dangerous late spring conditions, including widespread unstable snow bridges over hundreds of creeks exist, putting independent searchers at risk and potentially creating new incidents. New incidents created by independent search parties would divert professional search teams from their current (and future) operations. Detailed information on the other two ongoing searches is available at www.nps.gov/mora/learn/news/newsreleases.htm. Additional updates will be provided as developments in the search operations occur.