Those who shared Mount Rainier with Nick Hall were shaken Friday as news spread of the climbing ranger’s death.
“He was an extremely nice guy and a talented climber,” said Jonathan Spitzer, a guide for Alpine Ascents International, “a key ranger for the national park and a valuable asset to their team.”
Hall fell to his death Thursday while helping rescue climbers on Rainier’s Emmons Glacier. Poor weather kept his colleagues from removing his body from the mountain Friday.
George Dunn, co-director of International Mountain Guides, met Hall several times on the mountain.
“He was a really solid and sincere climbing ranger, and he was always on top of his game,” Dunn said. “He was committed to his job and serving the public.”
On Friday, Hall’s Facebook page was swamped with messages from his friends sharing memories and posting photos of him rock climbing. Hall, 33, of Patten, Maine, was a former Marine who listed Longmire as his local address.
In addition to his duties at Rainier, Hall was on the ski patrol at Stevens Pass Ski Area from 2008-2010. Bill Bourton, the ski area’s new interim general manager, said Hall was well-respected.
“Folks here who knew him said he was a very likable, nice guy,” Bourton said. “… It’s a big shock to us.”
Hall’s father, Carter Hall, told The Associated Press that he and his family were proud of Hall’s career in mountain rescue. Carter Hall said he hopes his son’s death will bring attention to the hazards and safety requirements of the sport.
National Park Service director Jonathan B. Jarvis said, “Nick Hall died while he carried out a climbing ranger’s greatest responsibility – saving lives. That fact will give us comfort in the future, but not now.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Nick’s family and our National Park Service family at Mount Rainier National Park. They bear too great a burden today, and we will do everything in our power to support them as they have been thrown into the depths of loss yet again.”
Ken Salazar, secretary of the Interior, said, “Nick embodied the brave and selfless nature of the men and women of the National Park Service who dedicate their lives to protecting and helping the millions of visitors to our cherished national parks across America.
“On behalf of the entire Interior family, I offer our heartfelt support and prayers to Nick’s family, friends and coworkers.” Hall was not married and did not have children.
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