One climber was killed and three others were injured after a rockfall struck a group ascending Mount Rainier’s popular Disappointment Cleaver route, according to Mount Rainier National Park officials. The incident occurred early Sunday at an elevation of about 11,600 feet as six independent climbers were making their way toward the summit.
Park officials said four members of the group were caught in the rockfall. One climber died at the scene and was later transported to the county medical examiner’s office. Another sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized, while two others suffered minor injuries. The remaining members of the climbing party were safely escorted back to Camp Muir before being flown to the park’s helibase for medical evaluation.