In brief
Authorities confirmed that two men, ages 37 and 59 from Portland, Oregon, were found dead in a remote area of Gifford Pinchot National Forest during their search for Sasquatch, following a three-day operation initiated on Christmas Day.
The Skamania County Sheriff's Office reported that the search involved over 60 volunteers who braved brutal cold, with weather conditions deteriorating throughout the search. Family members alerted authorities when the men didn’t return from their adventure, prompting the extensive search. Rescue operations faced numerous challenges due to harsh weather, including snow and freezing rain. The men's vehicle was located near Willard, prompting a focused search in the vicinity that included drones and assistance from a Coast Guard helicopter. Both victims' deaths are believed to be a result of exposure, noting the extreme frigid weather and that they were likely ill-equipped for their journey. The sheriff’s office is withholding the names of the deceased pending notification of their families.Sasquatch, often referred to as Bigfoot, is a legendary creature whose sightings have sparked ongoing fascination in the Pacific Northwest, leading to protections against harming the creature, as legally defined in Skamania County. Local lore portrays Sasquatch as one of the world's most renowned cryptids alongside other legendary beings like the Loch Ness Monster.
