Last week, tragedy struck a popular trail in the Olympic National Forest in Washington state when a tree fell, leading to the deaths of two hikers, as reported locally.
Kristin Mutchler, 70, Kathy Pickard, 76, and Kathy Todd, 74, were making their way to Lake Lena on Thursday when part of a dead fir tree broke and landed on the trail. Todd recounted her experience, mentioning a “loud crack” that will stay with her forever.
“I ran as fast as I could. I’m sure they did too,” she reflected. When Todd looked back, she saw Mutchler and Pickard unconscious on the ground, surrounded by debris from the tree.
Fortunately, two emergency room doctors who happened to be hiking nearby were able to assist. Mutchler was still breathing, but Pickard had died instantly.
Todd, unharmed, hurried to a nearby clearing to call 911 for assistance. A rescue helicopter from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island arrived over an hour later to retrieve Mutchler. Sadly, she lost her life minutes before reaching Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, as confirmed by her sister, Paula Smith.
Meanwhile, emergency room doctors accompanied Todd back to her vehicle, and other hikers remained with Pickard’s body until rescuers arrived, according to the report.
The women were known to enjoy outdoor activities together, including skiing and hiking, as part of their close-knit group of friends. Sarah Rogers, a friend, described them as always upbeat and fun-loving, saying, “They were a crowd in the back of the bus.”
