I knew I didn't like ice climbing for a reason.

[knelson]

From 10/20 NPS "Morning Report"...

 

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (CA)

Body of WWII Airman Found in Ice in Park

 

Last week, the park received a report from the Inyo County Sheriffs Department that two ice climbers had discovered the remains of a person while ice climbing on Mt. Mendel in Kings Canyon National Park. Rangers attempted to reach the site by helicopter on Sunday, but were unable to due to adverse weather. The weather broke for a short time on Tuesday, allowing an investigation team to reach the location. They secured the site, and began documenting the scene. The person is presumed to have been with the Army Air Corp around the time of WWII because of evidence found at the scene including an undeployed parachute on his back with the word "ARMY" stenciled on it. Because of this initial evidence, the park notified the Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), the military unit in charge of recovering and identifying the remains of lost soldiers. JPAC has sent a forensic anthropologist to the park to assist in this effort. The body is still 80% encased in ice. NPS mountaineering rangers are guarding the body and working carefully to preserve evidence that can help in identifying this person. The NPS will also assist JPAC with the investigation and body recovery. It is unknown how long this recovery process will take. In 1947, a Sierra Club hiker discovered a downed AT-7 military training plane in the area of Mt. Mendel. That plane crashed in 1942. It is unknown whether this person is from that crash.

[submitted by Alexandra Picavet, Public Affairs Officer]

 

http://data2.itc.nps.gov/morningreport/

[rhyang]

Story from the SF Chronicle.

[archenemy]

See, there is a benefit to global warming.