A woman from Oklahoma City died after she and her husband became stranded in the Enchantments during a day of storms and heavy snowfall, prompting an overnight
A woman from Oklahoma City died after she and her husband became stranded in the Enchantments during a day of storms and heavy snowfall, prompting an overnight rescue effort in difficult conditions.
On Sept. 13 at about 5:26 p.m., RiverCom dispatch received a text-to-911 report from a man who said he and his wife were stranded in the “core zone” of the Enchantments.
He reported his wife was unable to move and he was unable to carry her out.
The couple was at an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, with either trailhead about 8 to 10 miles away. Storms persisted throughout the day and produced significant snowfall in the area.
The man reported that both of their clothing was soaked, and they did not have overnight gear.
At about 5:49 p.m., the man reported his wife was under an emergency blanket, and they were in about 1 to 2 feet of snow. Deputies determined the best option would be a helicopter rescue if the weather cleared, but weather conditions prevented helicopter access.
A ground rescue team was requested from Chelan County Mountain Rescue to try to reach the couple and warm the woman.
At about 6:51 p.m., Sheriff’s Office personnel requested a hoist-capable helicopter if conditions improved. An Army helicopter launched from Yakima at about 8 p.m. but could not reach the couple because of the weather.
The man continued providing updates through the evening, reporting his wife’s condition was deteriorating and that it might become fatal.
Sheriff’s Office personnel continued requesting the Army attempt an aerial response in case his assessment was inaccurate or his own condition became a medical emergency.
The Army helicopter made another attempt to reach the area at about 10:50 p.m., but again was unable to do so because of weather conditions.
At about 3:30 a.m., Chelan County Mountain Rescue personnel reached the couple. Rescuers reported the woman was dead and the man was suffering from severe hypothermia. Rescuers warmed him inside a tent.
On the morning of the 14th, the Army helicopter was able to reach the area and transport the man and two Chelan County Mountain Rescue rescuers. They arrived at the Leavenworth fish hatchery at about 8:39 a.m. The man was taken by ambulance to Cascade Medical Center for treatment.
At about 9:47 a.m., an additional recovery flight was dispatched. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office helicopter transported two deputies from the fish hatchery to assist with the recovery operation.
The woman’s body was recovered and turned over to the Chelan County Coroner’s Office. She was identified as a 45-year-old from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Chelan County Coroner’s Office said additional information about the cause and manner of death remains under investigation.
