PCT Hiker Dies after Tree Falls on Him in Washington

A 28-year-old hiker from Germany died on the Pacific Crest Trail after a tree fell on him Tuesday near Trout Lake in Washington.

Finn Bastian, of Preetz, Germany, was crossing a wooden bridge northwest of Trout Lake when the tree, which appears to have rotted at its base, fell.

The Skamania County Sheriff’s office said Thursday it received a cell phone call at about 4 p.m. Tuesday from hikers on the PCT, according to the Associated Press. Emergency personnel took Bastian to a trailhead, where attempts to revive him using CPR were futile, the AP said.

Feature image by daveynin

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Comments 3

  • Mark : Sep 6th

    I met Finn briefly as he was making dinner at Reese Lake last week on the PCT. I was doing the Three Sisters Loop trial and he overheard me remark to another hiker that I had forgotten to bring electrolytes and with it being so hot that day was feeling a bit punchy, he kindly offered one to me and my impression was he was a kind and humble man. I’m saddened to hear he passed in such a freak accident and pray his spirit continues on in whatever adventures the other side holds for him.

    Reply
  • Bill Manny : Sep 7th

    Hiking the JMT, a hiker fell and died on a small snowfield on the north side just below the summit of Mather Pass Aug. 26, 2019. I watched a chopper and EMT recover the body, but can no info about the hiker or the incident. Any one know where I might find out more?

    Reply

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