North Sound News

Body of overdue hiker found near Mount Baker Ski Area

A man who was hiking near the Mount Baker Ski Area and was reported overdue earlier this week has been found dead after an apparent fall from a cliff, said the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said the 36-year-old Mukilteo man left the Lake Ann trailhead Monday.

Later that evening, he contacted his family and told them he got turned around but could see the ski lodge. He told them he was prepared to spend the night and would follow the chairlift down Tuesday morning.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office started to look for the man Tuesday morning but did not locate him.

On Wednesday, crews continued their search effort at the cliffs to the left and right of one of the chairlift lines.

During a search, the hiker's body was found below the primary Pan Dome cliff.

Deputies said it appeared that the victim had fallen 100 feet to the valley floor at the base of the cliff.

The hiker has been identified as Ronald Slama.

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