Two hikers died after falling while attempting a trail on Washington’s Sauk Mountain.
Gary Idleburg, 66, and Peter Kalapaca, 78, were hiking in the area over the weekend when they slipped and plunged from the mountain trail.
The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office said it received multiple reports at about 3:30 p.m. local time on September 19 that a hiker had fallen from a switchback trail near Concrete, according to a press release.
The fallen hiker was later identified as Olympia resident Gary Idleburg, 66.
Because the accident occurred in a remote, rocky section of the mountain, Skagit County Search and Rescue worked with Washington State Parks personnel and helicopter crews to recover Idleburg.
Deputies had also been called to the area on September 17 after relatives reported that a hiker had become separated from his group while on the trail.
According to the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, witnesses believed Idleburg had gone between 800 and 1,000 feet after slipping “over the edge of the trail.”
Authorities then began a round-the-clock search-and-rescue effort to find the missing hiker.
Gary Idleburg, 66, and Peter Kalapaca, 78, died after falling while hiking in Washington over the weekend; Idleburg is pictured
Andy Kalapaca, the son of Peter Kalapaca, described his father as an experienced hiker; Kalapaca Sr is pictured
At least five people have died on Washington’s Sauk Mountain Trail during the past 10 years
The search involved ground teams, aircraft and scent-detection dogs as rescuers combed the mountain.
Police said a helicopter eventually located Kalapaca, who was unresponsive and had died before rescuers reached him.
Officials identified the second victim as 78-year-old Peter Kalapaca.
News of Idleburg’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes, with friends, colleagues and community members remembering him online.
A longtime advocate for prisoners, Idleburg taught classes for nearly five years through the Black Prisoners Caucus.
The Black Prisoners Caucus is a multi-chapter group established by incarcerated people.
He also volunteered with KSER 90.7 FM, a local radio station where he produced “America’s Disappeared,” a monthly program examining prison reform and the criminal justice system.
Outside his advocacy and broadcasting work, Idleburg served as a judo sensei at Budokan Judo Dojo, competing in the sport and coaching fellow practitioners.
The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office offered its deepest sympathies to the families of both hikers
Ground crews, aerial support and scent-tracking dog units were all involved in the mountain rescue search
‘Gary was always one of my favorite people to hang out with at tournaments,’ said his former colleague, Johann Muller.
‘Back in the day, I loved competing with him. We had some of the best matches. Glad I got to hang out with him at the last Obukan tournament. I’ll miss him.’
Kalapaca was a loved father and husband. He is remembered as adventurous and fun.
His son, Andy Kalapaca, shared a few heartwarming words on Facebook, writing, ‘ He was experienced. His age, I’m certain, played a role and only more so reinforces to always hike with others at whatever age.’
‘We are fortunate he didn’t suffer and that his last steps were doing something he very much enjoyed rather than a hospice bed,’ he added.
At least five hikers have died on the Sauk Mountain Trail in Washington state over the last decade.
The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the victims’ families.
