Authorities have confirmed the deaths of two Portland men during a Sasquatch expedition in a remote area, prompting questions about the risks of mythical creature hunts.
Two Hunters Tragically Die in Quest for Sasquatch
Two Hunters Tragically Die in Quest for Sasquatch
Two men looking for Bigfoot found dead in Washington's Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
In a tragic turn of events, two men from Portland were discovered dead after they went missing during a search for Sasquatch in Washington State's Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Their bodies were found three days post-disappearance, coinciding with a search effort that commenced on Christmas Day when relatives reported their absence.
The Skamania County Sheriff's Office noted that the search involved over 60 volunteers who scoured heavily wooded terrains, battling brutal weather conditions, including snow and rain, as well as freezing temperatures. “Both deaths appear to be due to exposure, based on weather conditions and ill-preparedness,” said the sheriff's office in a news release.
Authorities pinpointed the search area after locating the men's vehicle near Willard, using drones and involving a Coast Guard helicopter team in the effort. Although the names of the deceased have not been released, their ages—37 and 59—suggest a tragic end to their adventurous pursuit.
The Cascade mountains had been particularly frigid leading up to their search, with challenges like high river water levels and fallen trees complicating rescue operations. The fascination with Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, is deeply rooted in local culture, where hundreds of sightings have been reported across the Pacific Northwest. This enduring folklore has even led to protective laws in Skamania County for the legendary creature, illustrating the blend of myth and reality in the region.
