Hiker dies after falling from Sauk Mountain in Washington state

<p>A Washington state man fell 800 to 1,000 feet to his death while hiking last weekend, authorities said.</p><p>Gary Idleburg, 66, fell from Sauk Mountain in the Northern Cascades, northeast of Seattle, while navigating a switchback trail last Saturday, according to the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office.</p><p>Witnesses reported the fall. Emergency responders attempted life-saving efforts, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.</p><p>Just a day earlier, a missing hiker was found dead on steep terrain on the same mountain.</p><p>He was identified as 78-year-old Peter Kalapaca, who had been missing for a day.</p><p>The sheriff’s office stated they extend their deepest condolences to the Kalapaca family and loved ones. They expressed gratitude for the extraordinary effort made by everyone involved, which allows some measure of closure for the family.</p><p>Idleburg was reportedly found in difficult terrain.</p><p>Kalapaca’s search operation included ground teams, air resources, air-scent K9 units, and mountain rescue personnel that worked into the evening.</p><p>Witnesses directed rescuers to where Idleburg was found after he fell.</p>