Avid hiker dies in fall near Snoqualmie Pass

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The King County Sheriff's Office says an Olympia woman and Mountaineer member died while hiking near Snoqualmie Pass.

The Olympian reports that 64-year-old Laurie Choate had gone up to a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail and spent the night there with a friend. On their way back on the Kendall Katwalk on Sept. 5, Choate slipped and fell 300 feet (91 meters).

Choate's friend called 911, and a helicopter from the King's County Sheriff's Office flew in.

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However, conditions were too risky to make to reach her. Paramedics arrived about 20 minutes later, and pronounced Choate dead.

According to The Mountaineers, a local nonprofit group for hikers and those passionate about the outdoors, Choate was an active member and volunteer leader with the Olympia branch.