Avalanche in Washington backcountry claims two snowmobilers' lives
A deadly avalanche near Longs Pass in Washington state killed two snowmobilers, Paul Markoff and Erik Henne. Two others survived and were rescued after sending a distress signal.
A tragic avalanche occurred Friday afternoon near Longs Pass in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, claiming the lives of two snowmobilers. Paul Markoff, 38, from North Bend, and Erik Henne, 43, from Snoqualmie Pass, were killed in the incident involving four riders. The two survivors, Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie, managed to send a distress call using a Garmin satellite device.
One survivor sustained a non-serious knee injury. Rescue teams responded with snowmobiles and specialized equipment, though hazardous conditions prevented body recovery that night.
The following morning, rescue operations resumed with air support and three avalanche-trained K9 units, successfully locating and recovering both victims.
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