Update: Hiker found dead Friday on Sauk Mountain Trail

The 78-year-old man became separated from his family near the top

By: Sophia Gates

Outlets: Cascadia Daily News

Published: September 19, 2026

Words: 131

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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Search and rescue operations found a 78-year-old man dead Friday after he was separated from his family while hiking the Sauk Mountain Trail the day before.

The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office began a search and rescue operation by ground and air on the evening of Sept. 17 for Peter Kalapaca.

The search continued through most of Friday, and a helicopter flight crew found Kalapaca in inaccessible, steep terrain that evening. A helicopter from North …

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