Hiker dies near Colchuck Lake

LEAVENWORTH — A 19-year-old hiker from Massachusetts died near Colchuck Lake on Saturday, according to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office.

The incident began at approximately 3:39 p.m. when emergency services received a text-to-911 message reporting an unconscious male who was not breathing. The coordinates provided by the message placed the emergency near Colchuck Lake, a popular hiking destination in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Initially, the King County Sheriff's Office was dispatched with a helicopter, with an estimated arrival time of one hour. However, after receiving information that CPR had been unsuccessful for approximately 45 minutes, with no signs of life for about 15 minutes, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office took over the response.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office helicopter transported personnel to the scene, where they confirmed the young hiker had died. The body was then airlifted to the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery and transferred to the custody of the Chelan County Coroner.

Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased, pending notification of next of kin. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and it is unclear what led to the medical emergency.

Colchuck Lake, situated at an elevation of about 5,570 feet, is known for its challenging terrain and serves as a gateway to the Stuart Range and the Enchantments, a series of high alpine lakes popular among hikers and climbers.