Mukilteo man dead in climbing accident near Leavenworth

A Mukilteo man died in a climbing accident on Dragontail Peak near Leavenworth, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.

Richard Thurmer, 66, died while attempting to solo climb in the Enchantments, approximately 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth.

On Monday, Thurmer’s wife called 911 to report her husband went climbing and had not heard from him for 24 hours.

She told deputies that Thurmer was not due back until Tuesday, but he usually contacts her daily.

She added her husband was well-equipped, in good health and an experienced climber.

On Tuesday, Thurmer’s wife called again, advising deputies he had not returned home and she still hadn’t heard from him.

On Wednesday morning, a Chelan County helicopter and a two-person ground team responded and located a motionless body lying in the snow at the base of the “Triple Couloir” near the Dragontail Peak area.

Due to winds, the helicopter was unable to land.

The ground team reached the location around 2:30 p.m. and confirmed the victim was Thurmer.

Responders reported it appeared Thurmer fell several hundred feet.

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