Two hikers killed by falling tree on Lena Lake Trail in Jefferson County

BRINNON, Wash. — A falling tree killed two elderly hikers on the Lena Lake Trail in Jefferson County last week, after a large dead evergreen broke near its base and collapsed onto the trail during a winter hike.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received an emergency Apple satellite text at approximately 12:06 p.m. on Jan. 15. The message reported that three women were hiking near Lena Lake when a falling tree struck two members of the group.

Authorities identified the victims as 76-year-old Kathryn Pickard of Bremerton and 70-year-old Christine Mutchler of Seabeck.

Pickard suffered fatal injuries after the tree struck her and knocked her from the trail into a wooded area. Deputies located her shortly after arriving at the scene. A deputy pronounced her dead on the trail.

Meanwhile, Mutchler suffered severe injuries, including multiple broken extremities and a possible head injury. Because of the remote terrain, deputies requested emergency air support from Navy Air Station Whidbey Island.

The Navy aircrew accepted the mission and performed a hoist rescue near the trail. They then transported Mutchler to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts, hospital officials later pronounced her dead.

Jefferson Search and Rescue teams assisted deputies at the scene and helped recover Pickard’s body. Investigators later determined that a large dead evergreen tree broke near ground level before falling onto the trail. As it fell, the tree also dislodged large boulders, which moved downslope in the surrounding area.

However, authorities said no ongoing hazard from falling trees or rocks has been identified. The U.S. Forest Service advised that the Lena Lake Trail remains open.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office thanked Navy Air Station Whidbey Island and Jefferson Search and Rescue for their rapid response and coordination during the incident. The agency also extended condolences to the families and loved ones of Pickard and Mutchler.

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