Two men tragically lost their lives during a search for the legendary creature known as Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, in Washington. The men, aged 37 and 59, residents of Portland, Oregon in the US, were reported missing on Christmas Day, sparking a desperate three-day search in difficult conditions that ultimately ended in their discovery. Authorities stated that their deaths appeared to be a result of exposure, exacerbated by their lack of preparedness for the harsh weather.
The search began in earnest after a family member reported that the two men had failed to return home on December 24, 2024, following a trip to search for proof of the mythical forest-dwelling creature in Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The missing men, believed to have been searching for Sasquatch, were last known to be in the Willard area of Skamania County, Washington, a region notorious for its Bigfoot sightings.
In a coordinated effort involving over 60 volunteers, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office launched a wide-ranging search operation that included drones, canine teams, and the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard. The area was combed thoroughly, including difficult terrain and areas with fallen trees and high-water levels. Despite the exhaustive efforts of search teams, the pair was found dead in a remote part of the forest, approximately three days later.
Authorities have yet to release the identities of the deceased, but the investigation suggested that the men succumbed to exposure as temperatures in the Cascade Mountains dipped below freezing. Snow and freezing rain compounded the challenges faced by the search teams, making the rescue attempt even more difficult.
The search took place in an area known for its association with Bigfoot, a creature that has sparked fascination, debate, and numerous reported sightings for decades. Despite the lack of definitive evidence for its existence, Sasquatch remains an enduring myth in the Pacific Northwest. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization has received over 700 reports of sightings in Washington state alone.
Bigfoot: a Myth or Mystery?
Bigfoot has become one of the world’s most famous cryptids, with many claiming to have seen the creature—despite a lack of concrete proof. In 2019, the FBI released a decades-old file detailing an investigation into purported Bigfoot hair, only to reveal that the samples were actually deer hair. This discovery cast further doubt on the creature’s existence, though it has not stopped many from searching the dense forests for signs of the elusive figure.
Ironically, the region where the men perished, Skamania County, has laws designed to protect Bigfoot, reflecting the local lore surrounding the creature. Harming or killing Sasquatch is punishable by fines or even jail time, a law meant to preserve the myth and prevent potential harm to the creature that many believe roams the forests of the Pacific Northwest.
The tragic passing of these two men serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in venturing into the wilderness in search of a legend, especially when ill-prepared for the harsh conditions. Their deaths underscore the importance of proper gear and preparation when embarking on expeditions in remote areas, regardless of the reason for the journey.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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