Avalanche Kills Issaquah Man At Stampede Pass

MIRROR LAKE, WA - Five snowmobilers were swept away by an avalanche at Mirror Lake, resulting in the death of an Issaquah man. The group had stopped for lunch when the slope above them broke free, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. The avalanche fully buried Issaquah residents Joseph Simenstad, 32, and his wife, Sabel Simenstad, 30, as well as Josh Winter, 24, of Snohomish.

Two people were also partially buried: Tyler Johnson, 29, of Renton, and a man whose name has not been released.

Emergency crews attempted to revive Joseph Simenstad but were unsuccessful. Sabel Simenstad suffered minor injuries and Winter was unconscious but later recovered.

In a statement, Undersheriff Clay Myers said: "On behalf of the Sheriff's Office, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Simenstad as they work through the loss of their loved one. We would like to remind those of you who recreate in the back country to be cautious of the past and current conditions, as they can change rapidly and without warning. Avalanche conditions are often the result of previous weather, sometimes from weeks prior."

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Image via Kittitas County Sheriff