Skagit County cliffs leave student in hospital, two others dead

The Aug. 8 hiking accident that seriously injured a WSU student came just six weeks after two men died in the same area in southern Skagit County.

Brian Gurney, a 19-year-old kinesiology major preparing for his sophomore year, was hiking with friends on Friday at Pilchuck Falls. When they attempted to walk down to the site of the falls, Gurney lost his footing and fell approximately 100 feet.

A search and rescue team was immediately called to the scene. Sgt. Chris Hading of Skagit County Search and Rescue said rescuers used a rigging system to pull Gurney back up the hill.

Gurney was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he is being treated in an intensive care unit. A spokesperson person at the hospital said he is in serious condition.

“We’re waiting and praying and hoping for a miracle, and that’s where we are right now,” said David Bricka, Gurney’s uncle.

Bricka said Gurney’s head injuries required surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

On June 28, search and rescue volunteer J.B. Bryson, 62, died during a rescue effort for a man who had attempted to reach his friend, Peder Trettevik, 25, who had fallen about 150 feet and died in the same area.

Bryson fell from the cliff rim while clearing brush so other rescuers could reach the man and recover Trettevik’s body.

Hading advised the area where these incidents occurred is incredibly dangerous.

Derek Nodolf, a close friend of Gurney’s family, started an online fundraiser on Tuesday to help with Gurney’s medical bills. As of Thursday, the fundraiser accrued $4,635 of a $5,000 goal.

“I think it’s a testament to what kind of person Brian is,” Nodolf said. “He made an impact on lives.”

Donations also can be made to a medical fund for Gurney through any branch of Skagit Bank.

Gurney is a member of Beta Theta Pi. On Aug. 9 the fraternity tweeted: “Please keep our brother, Brian Gurney, and his family in your thoughts and prayers tonight. We love you, Gurn. We know you’ll pull through!”