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Teen snowshoers found dead near Alpental identified

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — Two teen snowshoers were found dead after a trip in the backwoods near Alpental Sunday.

The King County Medical Examiner identified the teens who died as 18-year-old Niko Suokko and 17-year-old Declan Ervin Tuesday afternoon.

Suokko attended Interlake High School in Bellevue, and Ervin attended the International School in Bellevue.

Both schools made announcements at school and sent letters home to parents. Counselors were on hand at the schools to comfort students.

Searchers were unable to start looking for the missing teens until Monday morning due to bad weather. The Alpental area saw nearly 8 inches overnight.

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The King County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday afternoon that they found the snowshoers. The teens did not survive.

Just 16 miles away from Alpental is Stampede Pass, where a snowmobiler was killed over the weekend when he was buried in an avalanche.

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