In this July 2018 photo, Mt. Rainier is seen in an aerial image. (AP Photo/Ritu Shukla, file)

In this July 2018 photo, Mt. Rainier is seen in an aerial image. (AP Photo/Ritu Shukla, file)

Searchers find body of Seattle skier on Mount Rainier

Matthew Bunker, 28, fell in steep terrain on June 26 while skiing above Liberty Ridge.

  • By Wire Service
  • Tuesday, June 30, 2020 5:30am
  • Northwest

Associated Press

ASHFORD, Wash. — A Seattle man reported missing last week during a skiing trip in Mount Rainier National Park was found Monday along the base of Liberty Ridge.

KOMO-TV reports Matthew Bunker, 28, was reported missing June 26 by other people in his climbing party. Bunker was skiing behind his partner at about 10,400 feet in elevation near Thumb Rock.

Bunker fell in steep terrain and wasn’t found until days later.

The National Park Service’s A-Star B3 helicopter and Mount Rainier National Park climbing rangers made several aerial reconnaissance missions during the search to find Bunker.

Authorities found him at the base of a cliff that is inaccessible by ground or aviation teams. The area’s frequent rock and ice fall poses too high of a risk for rescue personnel to access the location, authorities said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Matthew’s loved ones and friends” said 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.”

His parents, Carolyn and Joe Bunker, live in Delavan, Wisconsin, his hometown. Bunker graduated from West Point in 2013 and spent five years in the military.

Authorities are continuing two unrelated searches for Vincent Djie from the Longmire/Van Trump area and Talal Sabbagh in the Paradise area.

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