Tragic Incident in Olympic National Forest

Last week, tragedy struck a popular hiking trail in Washington’s Olympic National Forest when a tree fell, resulting in the deaths of two hikers, as reported locally.

On Thursday, Kristin Mutchler, 70, Kathy Pickard, 76, and Kathy Todd, 74, were trekking toward Lake Lena when a dead fir tree unexpectedly snapped and crashed onto the trail. Todd recounted, “I heard a loud crack that I’ll never forget. I ran as fast as I could. I’m sure they ran too.”

When Todd glanced back, she saw Mutchler and Pickard lying unconscious, encircled by debris from the fallen tree, which was about ten feet high.

Miraculously, two emergency room doctors happened to be hiking behind the women and rushed to aid Mutchler, who was still breathing, but sadly, Pickard had died instantly. Thankfully, Todd wasn’t injured; he made his way to a clearing and called 911.

More than an hour later, a rescue helicopter from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island arrived and airlifted Mutchler. Despite the urgent efforts, she passed away shortly before reaching Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, according to her sister.

Meanwhile, emergency doctors escorted Todd back to the parking lot, while other hikers stayed with Pickard’s body until rescuers could reach the area.

Friends of the two women shared that they were part of a close-knit group who cherished outdoor adventures, from hiking to skiing. One friend described them as “upbeat” and “energetic,” always embracing life’s joys.