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Hiker falls 2,000 feet from Mount Shasta's glacier, resulting in fatal injuries

Mountaineer plunges 2,000 feet to his demise after straying from Mt. Shasta's summit trail during descent.

Hiker falls an estimated 2,000 feet on Mt. Shasta's glacier, resulting in fatal injuries.
Hiker falls an estimated 2,000 feet on Mt. Shasta's glacier, resulting in fatal injuries.

Hiker falls 2,000 feet from Mount Shasta's glacier, resulting in fatal injuries

Montana Tragedy: Hiker Loses Life on Mt. Shasta

In a tragic incident, a 45-year-old Argentinian hiker named Matias Augusto Travizano lost his life while descending Mt. Shasta in California. Travizano had successfully summited Mt. Shasta on Sept. 12, but during his descent via the Clear Creek Trail, he veered off the trail and became trapped on an ice sheet on the northern tip of Wintun Glacier at approximately 13,500 feet in elevation.

The Clear Creek Trail, known as the easiest route on the mountain, is considered treacherous due to the difficulty of regaining the trail while coming back down and the potential for hikers to wander off into more dangerous drainages, especially if they are not familiar with the terrain or have poor visibility. It's essential for hikers to have a climbing partner and a high-quality GPS or map to ensure they do not veer off trail.

Travizano and another hiker attempted a controlled slide down the glacier to reach the safety of the trail below. However, Travizano lost his grip on the steep and icy surface, causing him to slide out of control and collide with a boulder, resulting in him losing consciousness.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office was involved in the search and rescue operation to find Travizano. Despite their efforts, no organization or person has been identified to have assisted Travizano in the search after his fall.

Mt. Shasta averages about one death a year, but remains popular with climbers due to its easy road accessibility, adventurous terrain, and stunning views. Visitors to Mt. Shasta are advised to be aware of the risk of avalanches in higher-elevation areas. The summit conditions on Mt. Shasta can change dramatically, even if it seems like a mild day down on the ground.

Sadly, this is not the first incident this summer. A 50-year-old man died while descending the Clear Creek Trail on Mt. Shasta one month ago during a summer snowstorm. The towering 14,179-foot stratovolcano in Northern California's Cascade Range has been particularly stormy this summer.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has coordinated 15 rescue missions on Mt. Shasta this year, six of which required ground teams and nine via helicopter. None of the routes on Mt. Shasta are inherently safe, according to Milestone.

Travizano's body was found near the base of the glacier a couple of hours later by the California Highway Patrol's aerial team. Our thoughts are with Travizano's family and friends during this difficult time.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk on even the most seemingly safe mountain trails. It is crucial for hikers to be well-prepared, knowledgeable about the terrain, and aware of the ever-changing conditions when embarking on such adventures.

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