11-year-old dies at Big Four Ice Caves
Published on Wed, Aug 4, 2010 by Pam Stevens, Managing EditorRead More Local News
A sheet of ice the size of a Volkswagen bus slid down the mountain at the Big Four Ice Caves outside of Granite Falls last Saturday, July 31, hitting an 11-year-old girl and her mother, killing the young girl.
The two were not inside of the caves, but were standing nearby when the ice slid to the ground.
The girl suffered head injuries as well as other injuries to her body. The mother was able to walk out on her own.
Visiting hikers, including a nurse, ran to the aid of the young girl pulling her from the ice and performing CPR for almost two hours.
Others drove down to the Verlot Ranger Station to call for help. The 911 call came in around 2:30 p.m.
Rescue workers from Robe Valley, Granite Falls, Getchell and Lake Stevens Fire Districts were dispatched. The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office also dispatched one of their rescue helicopters, which transported the girl’s body.
The victim was on a hike with her family at the time of the tragic accident. They were not in or on the caves at the time the accident occurred.
The names of the victims nor the town of residence had been released when the Journal went to press on Monday.
The Big Four Ice Caves are a popular hiking destination within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest but can be very dangerous, especially during the summer months when the ice is melting due to the warmer weather.
Hikers are warned not to climb on or go into the caves but to enjoy them from afar.
The two were not inside of the caves, but were standing nearby when the ice slid to the ground.
The girl suffered head injuries as well as other injuries to her body. The mother was able to walk out on her own.
Visiting hikers, including a nurse, ran to the aid of the young girl pulling her from the ice and performing CPR for almost two hours.
Others drove down to the Verlot Ranger Station to call for help. The 911 call came in around 2:30 p.m.
Rescue workers from Robe Valley, Granite Falls, Getchell and Lake Stevens Fire Districts were dispatched. The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office also dispatched one of their rescue helicopters, which transported the girl’s body.
The victim was on a hike with her family at the time of the tragic accident. They were not in or on the caves at the time the accident occurred.
The names of the victims nor the town of residence had been released when the Journal went to press on Monday.
The Big Four Ice Caves are a popular hiking destination within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest but can be very dangerous, especially during the summer months when the ice is melting due to the warmer weather.
Hikers are warned not to climb on or go into the caves but to enjoy them from afar.
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