(LibertySociety.com) – Two Portland men tragically lost their lives while searching for Sasquatch in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington during Christmas week, authorities confirmed.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) reported receiving a call from a family member early Christmas morning after the two men, aged 59 and 37, failed to return home on Christmas Eve as planned. The men had embarked on an expedition to locate the elusive creature in the dense forest.
Their vehicle was located via a license plate reader on Oklahoma Road near Willard, Washington, marking the starting point for a challenging three-day search.
Rescue efforts involved over 60 volunteers, search dogs, drones, ground teams, and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. Despite these extensive efforts, the men were found deceased in a remote, heavily wooded area of the national forest. Authorities believe exposure to freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions contributed to their deaths, citing the men’s lack of preparedness for the environment.
The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude to the search and rescue teams who braved extreme weather and treacherous terrain to recover the men.
“Freezing temperatures, snow, high water levels, heavy rain, and thick wooded terrain made this search especially grueling,” the office noted. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims during this heartbreaking time.”
The men were identified only by their ages, and their names were not released. The SCSO confirmed the deaths were consistent with exposure, emphasizing the importance of preparedness when venturing into remote areas, particularly in harsh winter conditions.
Washington has long been considered a hotspot for Sasquatch enthusiasts. The Travel Channel has previously identified the state as the “world’s most active region” for reported sightings of the mythical creature, with locations like the Blue Mountains and Okanogan County noted for encounters.
The tragic incident underscores the risks of exploring rugged wilderness areas, even in pursuit of mythical legends.
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