Mercer Island Teen Who Died In Cascades Hiking Accident Identified

MERCER ISLAND, WA - The Mercer Island man who died Saturday in a glissading accident in the Cascades has been identified. Benjamin Gore, 19, is presumed dead, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. Gore went missing on Saturday evening near Asgaard Pass, which is about 30 miles due north of Cle Elum.

Gore is a graduate of Mercer Island High School and worked at the Mercerwood Shore Club, according to his Facebook page.

The state emergency management office was alerted to the accident via text message around 5 p.m. Saturday. Emergency responders - including Snohomish County's rescue helicopter - responded to the scene to search for Gore. The search was called off around 8:30 p.m. Saturday due to darkness.

Glissading is the practice of sliding down a snow field on your feet or using an ice axe. Gore is believed to have fallen into a hole in the snow while hiking with his sister.

The snow in the area where Gore fell is about 30 feet deep, and there is water from snow melt under the snow. Rescue crews estimate it could be a few weeks before they are able to access the area to retrieve Gore's body.

Image via Shutterstock