ID Of Man Who Died After SUV Fell 1,000 Feet Near Mount Rainier Released: Report

FAIRFAX, WA - The man who died Saturday night when an SUV he was riding in drove over a cliff at Evans Creek Off-Road Vehicle Park near Mount Rainier has been identified. Patrick Stalder, 46, of Graham, lost control of his Jeep while driving in the off-road park, according to the Tacoma News Tribune. A woman, Stalder's passenger, was injured in the crash.

The accident was first reported around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, according to East Pierce Fire and Rescue. The injured person was ejected from the car and was trapped down an embankment.

According to a statement from the Pierce County Sheriff's Office given to the Tacoma News Tribune, the SUV, a, Jeep Wrangler, fell about 1,000 feet off the cliff.

Rescue crews were able to retrieve the injured passenger at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday. She was taken to a hospital in Seattle for treatment.

Evans Creek is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, and attracts ATV and SUV drivers. The park is mainly comprised of former logging roads, and is located off of SR 165 near the Mowich entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. It is not inside the park itself, but is in a wilderness area operated by the U.S. Forest Service.

Image via Creative Commons/Rickad