Hiker’s body recovered off Mount Rainier

Brian Harper collapsed on May 31 right before reaching the summit.

By Ray Miller-Still • June 2, 2023 2:00 pm
Brian Harper collapsed on the Cowlitz Glacier on Mount Rainier, pictured here. Photo by Walter Siegmund / Copyright (C) 2000,2001,2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc. 51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA
Brian Harper collapsed on the Cowlitz Glacier on Mount Rainier, pictured here. Photo by Walter Siegmund / Copyright (C) 2000,2001,2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc. 51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA

The National Park Service recovered a body off Mount Rainier earlier this week.

According to a press release, Bremerton resident Brian Harper, 41, was part of an Alpine Ascents International expedition when he collapsed near the summit, at about 14,000 feet, of the mountain at 7:30 a.m. on May 31.

CPR was performed, but he could not be resuscitated.

AAI, Rainier Mountaineering and rangers both on foot and in the air were able to bring Harper’s body down yesterday around 10:30 a.m.

The Pierce County Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.