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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

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  • 13
    Aug 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
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    Aug 2025
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    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on August 13, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 08
    Aug 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
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    Aug 2025
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    Aug 2025
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    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Aug. 2, 2025

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    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Aug. 2.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility