Back

25C06666 - Sinister Peak Search and Rescue

Sheriff Morrison reports that on July 14, 2025, at approximately 1:38 PM, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputies received a call from the Washington State Emergency Operations Center regarding a Garmin inReach activation near the Chickamin Glacier, located north of Glacier Peak.

The message from the inReach device indicated that a man had suffered a broken ankle and was yelling across the canyon for help. It was also noted that the reporting party was not with the injured individual.

After communicating with the reporting party (RP), deputies determined that the injured person was alone and had been climbing the northern glacier of Sinister Peak. The RP’s group then attempted to reach the injured individual. After traversing glacial and rocky terrain, they located 31-year-old Ryan Polkinghorn, who had sustained head, neck, and shoulder injuries during a fall and was showing signs of early-stage hypothermia.

A request was made for a hoist-capable helicopter, and personnel from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island accepted the mission. The helicopter crew flew directly to the location, lowered medical personnel, and provided on-site care before securing Polkinghorn for extraction. He was then hoisted from the glacier and transported to Harborview Medical Center for further treatment.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island team for their swift and professional response.

 

SEE FULL MEDIA RELEASE (PDF)

Last Updated: 07/15/2025 01:32 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 24
    Sep 2025
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - September 24, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person.
  • 19
    Sep 2025
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Wenatchee Kennel Club Scent Trials - September

    Posted by: Chelan County Expo Center

    Wenatchee Kennel Club Dog Show

    Chelan County Expo Center
  • 10
    Sep 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on September 10, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 06
    Sep 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Sept. 6, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Sept. 6.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 27
    Aug 2025
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - August 27, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person.