Search Suspended For UW Professor Missing At Mount Rainier

MOUNT RAINIER, WA — The search for a missing University of Washington professor was suspended Friday, following an 11-day operation inside Mount Rainier National Park. Dr. Sam Dubal, 33, embarked on an overnight hike in the Mowich Lake area on Oct. 9 and was reported overdue Oct. 12.

According to the National Park Service, park rangers and volunteers have searched for Dubal every day since he was reported missing, and searches have involved ground-based teams, canines, drones, helicopters and infrared cameras.

In a news release Friday, park officials said significant winter weather made it necessary to suspend ground searches for the time being, but it would continue to pursue any leads that come in.

"Searchers have spent long hours scouring the area and not locating Dr. Dubal is heavy in our hearts," said Chip Jenkins, superintendent at Mount Rainier. "We continue to be in close contact with Dr. Dubal's family and will keep them updated as new information becomes available."

Dubal's family posted an online plea and petition Friday morning, asking the National Park Service to continue the search for a few more days.

Anyone with information that could help locate Dubal should call or text the National Park Service tip line at (360) 569-6684 or (888) 653-0009, or contact them by e-mail or an online form. Search operations have included members of search and rescue teams from 10 organizations across the region.