Overview
- The Pierce County Medical Examiner identified the climbers as Jiri Richter, 51, and Ben Watson, 35.
- Records list both deaths as accidents caused by blunt force injuries, with Richter suffering multiple injuries and Watson fatal head trauma.
- Ground teams reached the Wilson Glacier area on Jan. 20 and recovered both bodies after aircraft were grounded by weather the day before.
- Rangers opened the search on Jan. 18 after noticing overdue permits, learned the pair had not been heard from since Jan. 17, and found their vehicle at Paradise.
- Officials say the specific route remains unknown and reiterate NPS guidance that rapidly changing winter conditions require conservative decision-making.