Hansville climber died from fall
By ANDREW BINION
North Kitsap Herald Staff Writer
November 3, 2009 · 5:52 PM
A Hansville man gone missing while attempting a solo climb of California's Mt. Whitney, the tallest in the lower 48 states, died from a fall.
The body of Kenneth Wade Burnette, 73, who lived off of Twin Spits Road, was found Saturday after a five-day search, Carma Roper, spokeswoman for Inyo County Sheriff's Office, said Tuesday.
She said Burnette died as a result of a "high-angle fall."
Burnette attempted to reach the peak Oct. 25 in a day hike. When he didn't return his wife reported him missing, Roper said.
High winds made a search by air perilous and didn't calm enough to allow helicopters to join the search until Thursday, according to a statement from the department.
Roper said altitude sickness can set in when climbing at higher altitudes, and can lead to oxygen deprivation.
Roper said she has climbed to the peak and has witnessed the effects on climbers.
"I've seen strong people sicker than dogs," she said.
Contact North Kitsap Herald Staff Writer Andrew Binion at abinion@northkitsapherald.com or (360) 779-4464.Comment on this story.
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