Mt. Rainier Climbing Ranger, Nick Hall

Washington, D.C., Jul 9 -

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a hero who died last month leading an effort to save four climbers on Mt. Rainier in Washington State.

On June 21 four climbers fell into a crevasse on a glacier on Mt. Rainier. National Park Climbing Ranger Nick Hall and other Climbing Rangers braved the elements and terrain to rescue the climbers and get them the medical attention they desperately needed. Mr. Hall, a 33-year old four-year veteran of Mt. Rainier’s Climbing Ranger team, tragically fell more than 2,500 feet down the side of the mountain. The Climbing Ranger team was unable to communicate with Mr. Hall after his fall and continued  their heroic efforts to save the four climbers. All four climbers were saved and all suffered non-life threatening injuries. I applaud the heroic efforts of the rescue team.

Rangers did reach Mr. Hall hours after the rescue mission began, but, sadly, determined that he had died as a result of his fall. Because of heavy snow, clouds, and the threat of an avalanche, Mr. Hall’s body could not immediately be recovered. Finally, on Thursday, July 5, Mt Rainier National Park personnel were able to confirm that Mr. Hall’s body had been recovered.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a tough year at Mt. Rainier. On January 1st Park Ranger Margaret Anderson was gunned down at Mt. Rainier by a fleeing gunman. Now Nick Hall has lost his life saving climbers on the mountain. I grieve with the friends, family, and colleagues left behind.

The week of July 15 has been declared “Stand With Those Who Serve Week” in Washington. Nick Hall is the latest example of someone willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Today I stand with members of the Park Service, Mt. Rainier Superintendent Randy King, and the supportive communities around the mountain.