Man attempts suicide in national park

Published 1:19 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008

An apparent suicide attempt in Mount Rainier National Park off state Route 410 at mile post 63.5 Thursday sent a 45-year-old man to Harborview Medical Center for examination and observation by mental health professionals.

According to a press release from park officials, the man attempted suicide when driving his vehicle north on state Route 410. He accelerated, crossed the centerline and crashed through the wood rail. The car went down a slope, rolling several times before coming to a stop. The man was able to leave the vehicle before it caught fire.

The car fire burnt several trees and started a ground fire. Personnel from the Greenwater fire department, Pierce County Sheriff's Department, Washington State Patrol, King County Rescue 1 and park staff responded.