Family of mother of 4 killed in ice cave collapse ask for compassion
SEATTLE -- The 34-year-old woman killed in Monday's ice cave collapse in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest was a California mother of four who was here on vacation to visit family.
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Anna Santana of Moreno Valley, Calif., although the victim's family said they called her by the first name of Annalisa.
They said she was on a mini-vacation, visiting her family here. She and her family were at the ice cave when it collapsed, killing her instantly. They said she leaves behind four children -- two girls and two boys, ages 14, 12, 8 & 1.
"She loved her children," Annalisa's cousin Sandy Gomez said Thursday. "Her children were the reason she lived, the reason she went to work, the reason she woke up in the morning."
Annalisa died by blunt force injuries to the head and torso, the medical examiner's office said, and her manner of death has been ruled an accident.
Her family said Annalisa grew up in Everett and that she loved Washington and wanted to show her children the beauty of the state.
Gomez said all four of Annalisa's children were present when the cave came crashing down -- but not all of them were inside.
"One of the children does have a sprained ankle, but there's no major injuries," Gomez said.
In addition to Annalisa's death, five people were injured in the collapse that occurred around 6 p.m. Monday. Two of those remain hospitalized, including Annalisa's brother, David Santana, who is still in critical condition. Annalisa's fiance, Dustin Wilson, is also hospitalized with an injury to his leg.
Annalisa's family is asking for compassion from the public.
"What happened happened," said Anna, one of her relatives who asked that only her first name be used. "People did go into those caves, but it could have been one of your family members."
Her family is also warning other members of the public to stay out of the ice caves.
Annalisa's family set up a Go Fund Me account for anyone who would like to help them with expenses for her funeral and the brother's medical expenses: http://www.gofundme.com/yzsf4s
The Big Four Ice Caves north of Seattle are a popular hiking destination in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Rescue workers say the collapse of rock and ice occurred near the rear of one of the caves.
“Areas of the cave are still collapsing and will continue to do so until the cave no longer exists. No one should go in or near the cave,” said Search and Rescue Deputy Peter Teske. “The area is not safe.”
The caves area is closed until further notice.
Authorities have posted warnings about the danger at the caves because of warm weather.
“We’re seeing conditions that we normally see in August,” one official said Tuesday.
Back in May, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office put out a news release warning people to stay out of these ice caves.
“As we head into the busiest and warmest part of the season the cave is in its most dangerous state,” said Lead Field Ranger Matthew Riggen. “The cave is in a condition that we would normally not see until at least September – large, inviting and collapsing.”
In 2010, an 11-year-old girl was killed at the caves by falling ice.