North Sound News

Apparent remains of second missing Bellingham snowboarder found on Mount Baker

Left: Drew Lenz, Right: Jace Amancio

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — UPDATE, Oct. 12, 2018: 

After the remains of one missing snowboarder was found last week, the body of the second missing snowboarder was found after continued searching in the area of Huntoon Point, Swift Creek Drainage, and Lake Ann Trail.

Efforts to locate the missing men were stepped up after information was received on September 29 that an item belonging to Jacob Amancio was found by hikers navigating cross country, off trail, who then notified the Sheriff's Office. His remains were found on October 1 below Kulshan Ridge to the South of Huntoon Point.

The remains of Drew Lenz were found on Wednesday to the Northeast of Huntoon Point off Lake Ann Trail.

Cause of death is listed as undetermined by the Medical Examiner's office.

Original story:

Whatcom County search and rescue teams say they've found belongings and remains appearing to be from one of two snowboarders who vanished on Mount Baker last year.

Drew Lenz, 20, and Jake Amancio, 22, of Bellingham were reported missing last November.

Search efforts were suspended several times because of dangerous conditions.

Two men discovered the belongings while on a day hike late last month. They were found in an area that is a significant distance from the trail in the upper swift creek drainage.

Two trips by search and rescue teams were made to the area this week.  During the search, belongings and remains were found which appear to be from one of the snowboarders, the sheriff’s office said.

The remains have been turned over to the Whatcom County Medical Examiner to be identified.

More searches will be made in the area this weekend in hopes that the remains of the second missing man can be found.

The families of the men are assisting with the identification and search efforts.