[pct-l] Hikers' Deaths in the Sierras

[hiker97 at aol.com (hiker97@aol.com)]

The Inyo Register for July 30-31, 2005 reports (summarized):
 
1.  One hiker killed and several hurt west of Mt. Whitney.  Boy Scouts group hit by lightning near Sandy Meadows.  They got caught in a late afternoon storm and were under tarps and a tent.  It appears the strike hit near one of the shelters.  Three members of part critically injured and several others hurt.  Multiple helicopter flights were used to rescue.  One adult died and is the seventh person to die in Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs this year.
 
2.  A New York man, 29, suffering from altitude sickness was rescued fromthe PCT area by helicopter on Tuesday, July 26.  He was about 5 miles south of Horseshoe Meadows.  His companion made an emergency phone call to report he had been ill for 4 days and unable to continue and was deteriorating.
 
Keeping you informed, Your hiking buddy, Switchback