Two men found dead after searching for sasquatch in national forest
Two Oregon men who ventured into the woods of Washington state on a Christmas Eve hunt for Sasquatch have been found dead, authorities confirmed on Saturday.
The 59-year-old and 37-year-old, whose names have not yet been released, tragically failed to return from their expedition, sparking a frantic three-day search across the rugged Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
The men's deaths are believed to be the result of exposure to the harsh winter conditions.
With no signs of foul play or injury, authorities speculate that the pair's lack of preparation for the extreme weather may have led to their deaths.
The Sheriff's Office pointed out that the weather conditions and the men's inadequate gear were major factors in the fatal outcome.
The pair's ill-fated trip began on Christmas Eve when they set out to search for Sasquatch, the elusive creature of folklore often said to roam the forests of the Pacific Northwest.
But after the men failed to return to their holiday outing, a family member alerted authorities to their disappearance at around 1 am on Christmas Day.
Two Oregon men who ventured into the woods of Washington state on a Christmas Eve hunt for Sasquatch have been found dead, authorities confirmed on Saturday. Pictured: Search-and-rescue teams search for the missing Sasquatch hunters
The men's deaths are believed to be the result of exposure to the harsh winter conditions. Pictured: Ground teams search the Gifford Pinchot National Forest for the missing men
A massive three-day search effort ensued, involving over 60 volunteers, including search-and-rescue teams, canine units, drones, and ground searchers.
The Coast Guard also joined the search, using infrared technology to scan the forest from the air.
Authorities eventually used camera footage to track down the men's vehicle, located off Oklahoma Road near Willard, about 150 miles northeast of Portland.
From there, the teams zeroed in on the remote, heavily wooded area where the bodies were discovered.
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is known for its vast, rugged terrain - and winter conditions can be unforgiving, even for experienced hikers.
The Coast Guard also joined the search, using infrared technology to scan the forest from the air
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is known for its vast, rugged terrain, and winter conditions can be unforgiving, even for experienced hikers
As of now, the deaths of the two men are considered accidental, though the investigation into the specifics of the case is ongoing.
'The Skamania County Sheriff's Office extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the loved ones lost in this tragic incident,' authorities said.
