The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office said 34-year-old Gursimran Singh, who also goes by Randhawa, was expected to return to British Columbia but went missing in late June. (Photo: Whatcom County Sheriff's Office)
WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — A two-week search for a missing British Columbia hiker has ended in tragedy after search crews located the body of 34-year-old Gursimran Singh, also known as Randhawa, in the mountains east of Bellingham.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that search and rescue teams launched a recovery mission after receiving a reported sighting on Sunday, July 12.
Authorities said Singh had been missing since June 29 after he failed to return to British Columbia from a hike near South Twin Peak.
“Our heartfelt condolences to Gursimran’s family, friends and loved ones during this painful time. We are so sorry for your loss,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Recovery Mission Followed Reported Sighting
Search and Rescue personnel received information Sunday that led investigators to believe Singh had been located.
A follow-up mission launched Monday morning with the Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team and the Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council.
Officials confirmed the operation became a recovery mission.
The sheriff’s office did not release additional details about where Singh was found or the circumstances surrounding his death.
Extensive Search Drew Regional Response
The search began after Singh was reported overdue when he failed to return home to British Columbia.
Investigators previously said his vehicle was located along Middle Fork Road, leading searchers to focus on the rugged terrain surrounding South Twin Peak in eastern Whatcom County.
Over the course of the search, local volunteers were joined by specialized rescue teams from across Washington, including the Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team, Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council, Whatcom County Search and Rescue 4×4 Unit, Skagit Mountain Rescue, Everett Mountain Rescue, Seattle Mountain Rescue, Tacoma Mountain Rescue, Olympic Mountain Rescue and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations.
Crews searched challenging alpine terrain using helicopters, technical rescue teams and ground searchers.
Community Thanks Search Teams
The sheriff’s office thanked the dozens of volunteers and partner agencies that dedicated days of searching in difficult mountain conditions.
“We are deeply grateful to all who contributed time, expertise and resources throughout this mission,” the agency said.
No additional information has been released regarding the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.
PNW DAILY extends its condolences to Singh’s family, friends and everyone involved in the extensive search effort.
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