Seattle hiker died of hypothermia on Mount Rainier, official says

TACOMA -- The Pierce County medical examiner on Monday confirmed the body found on Mount Rainier was that of missing hiker Karen Sykes, 70.  He said she died of hypothermia.

 

The Seattle resident vanished Wednesday while hiking the Owyhigh Lakes Trail with her hiking partner.

They separated in the afternoon and planned to meet at the same location later, but she never returned, Mount Rainier National Park said in a statement. Her hiking partner reported her missing the same night.

Sykes is an outdoor journalist and is considered an experienced hiker.