Who: A 73-year-old Kenneth “Wade” Brunette of Washington State
Where: Mt. Whitney main trail, California
His mistake: He was hiking alone, but the actual cause is unknown
What happened: A 73-year-old man from Washington is missing on Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states at a height of 14,494 feet or 14,492 feet depending on who you talk to.
The man went for a solo day hike. The man started his hike around dawn, which is typical for a day hike up the mountain. He was last seen about 1 ½ miles short of the summit, probably in the Trail Crest area of the main trail.
He was supposed to return the next day, but when his family didn’t hear from him, the family called authorities to report him overdue. Authorities don’t believe the man made it to the summit because he didn’t sign the log book. The trail between Trail Crest and the summit of the mountain is narrow with steep dropoffs on one side, sometimes both sides. The trail could have been very dangerous in strong winds.
High winds sustained at 50 mph and cold temperatures are hampering the search effort. Temps overnight dipped to minus 4 degrees and choppers are unable to fly above 10,000 feet.
Brunette is said to be an experienced, fit hiker. He was last seen wearing a royal blue jacket and tan pants. Anyone who saw Brunette on the trail or anywhere in the area is asked to call Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park at (559) 565-3195.
Read the story here.
Recent Comments