Bodies of 2 missing hikers recovered in Whatcom County

UPDATE, 2:15 P.M. MONDAY: The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office now says a missing British Columbia hiker from Kamloops has been located deceased.

After a lengthy and extensive search for missing B.C. hiker Gursimran (Singh) Randhawa, who was overdue since June 29, search and rescue personnel were notified of a sighting on Sunday, July 12.

The WCSO said a follow-up SAR mission was launched Monday morning (July 13) with the Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team and the Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council.

“Sadly, this was a recovery mission,” the WCSO said. “Our heartfelt condolences to Gursimran’s family, friends and loved ones during this painful time. We are so sorry for your loss.”

Image: Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office / Gursimran (Singh) Randhawa.

The sheriff’s office expressed thanks for the multiple SAR personnel and first responders who poured their heart and soul into the rescue mission.

“We are deeply grateful to all who contributed time, expertise and resources throughout this mission,” the WCSO said.

Original story:

NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK/WHATCOM COUNTY– The body of a 55-year-old missing hiker was recovered over the weekend in a national forest near Ross Lake in Washington state, while a missing B.C. hiker in Washington remains unaccounted for.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office announced over the weekend that the body of Steven Dorsett was recovered in the national forest. Dorsett was last heard from on June 24 near the Canyon Creek trailhead and had planned to be gone for a maximum of 10 days.

Steven Dorsett’s last known location. (Image Credit: News Talk KFLD 870.)

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the many agencies and volunteers who assisted throughout this operation and recovery efforts, including Whatcom County Search & Rescue Council, Whatcom Co Search & Rescue 4×4 Unit, Cristina Woodworth with Central Okanagan Search & Rescue, Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council, Everett Mountain Rescue, Skagit Mountain Rescue, the National Park Rangers, Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team, and the Snohomish County Swift Water team.,” WCSO said. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and support during this operation. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Steven’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”