Woman dies, husband rescued after couple stranded in snowy Enchantments

LEAVENWORTH — A 45-year-old woman from Oklahoma has died after she and her husband were stranded in the Enchantments amid significant snowfall.

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said RiverCom dispatch received a text-to-911 report around 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 from a male who said he and his wife were stranded in the core Enchantments; his wife was unable to move and he was unable to carry her out. The couple was located as high as 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, with either trailhead sitting approximately 8 to 10 miles away.

Storms had persisted throughout the day, producing significant snowfall in the area, said CCSO. The male told responders that their clothing was soaked and they did not have overnight gear. About 20 minutes after initial contact, the male reported that his wife was under an emergency blanket and that they were in approximately one to two feet of snow.

Due to the remote location and deteriorating weather conditions, deputies determined a helicopter would be the best rescue option. However, weather conditions continued to prevent helicopter access to the area, prompting the deployment of a ground rescue team to provide emergency warmth. A ground rescue team was requested from Chelan County Mountain Rescue.

At approximately 6:51 p.m., CCSO personnel requested a hoist-capable helicopter if weather conditions improved. An Army helicopter launched from Yakima at approximately 8 p.m. but was unable to reach the couple because of the weather, said CCSO.

As time progressed, the male continued to provide RiverCom updates on his wife’s deteriorating condition, with concerns that it was becoming fatal. CCSO said it requested another attempt at aerial response in case his assessment was inaccurate or his own condition became a medical emergency. Another unsuccessful attempt was made at around 10:50 p.m.

Meanwhile, the ground rescue team continued up, reaching the couple at approximately 3:30 a.m., according to CCSO. Responders reported that the female was deceased and that the male was suffering from severe hypothermia. The team was able to warm him inside a tent.

On the morning of Sept. 14, the Army helicopter was finally able to access the area, transporting the male and two rescuers to the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery shortly before 9 a.m. CCSO said the male was transported by ambulance to Cascade Medical Center for medical treatment.

An additional recovery flight was dispatched within the hour. A CCSO helicopter transported two deputies from the fish hatchery to assist with the recovery operation. The deceased woman was recovered and turned over to the Chelan County Coroner’s Office, where she was positively identified as 45-year-old Sybil Claborn from Oklahoma City, Okla.

CCSO said additional information regarding Claborn’s cause and manner of death is still under investigation by the Chelan County Coroner’s Office.