MOUNT RAINIER, Wash. — A man who died after he broke through a snow crust while sledding in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier was an instructor at Green River Community College.
Mount Rainier National Park spokeswoman Patti Wold said the man, identified as Dave Watson, had been sledding "in a controlled manner" with his son in the Edith Creek area of the Paradise meadows on the Fourth of July when the accident occurred.
While sliding, Watson broke through a snow crust, plunged into Edith Creek and was swept about 30 feet down while remaining under the snow.
His son went to get help. Rescuers found Watson with his face submerged in the creek. They adminstered CPR and airlifted Watson to Harborview, where he was pronounced dead.
Watson, who was in his 50s, was an instructor at Green River Community College for five years who taught intensive English as a second language for international students.
The news of Watson's death was a shock to the faculty and students at Green River. His students were told about the accident on Thursday then were dismissed.
Many of the students who come to the U.S., specifically to learn English, stay with local families during their schooling.
Watson had welcomed nearly two dozen students into his home and had been with two students when he was on Mount Rainier.
Friends and colleagues of Watson said he will be greatly missed.
“Dave was a real compassionate person. (He had) a great love for helping people and teaching people,” said Watson’s friend, Josh Gerstman.
“He made them laugh, and enjoy the classes in a very fun way,” said friend Nancy Kremer.
Watson was a father to four children, ranging from middle school to college age and had traveled the world teaching English.
A memorial will be held on Monday, at Kent Covenant Church in Kent, where he was a parishioner.
KIRO
