PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. – A Central Washington University student from Yakima died while hiking in Mount Rainier National Park.
Charles Tetreault, 22, went missing on Sept. 16 while hiking a trail in the Sunrise area of Mount Rainer National Park. In an obituary, his family said the Pierce County search and rescue team found Tetreault on Sept. 26.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Tetreault’s identity on Oct. 4, stating the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries from a fall.
In an email to CWU staff, administrators and students, President Jim Wohlpart said the University worked closely with law enforcement, and they confirmed Tetreault’s death late Monday evening.
Tetreault was a junior majoring in clarinet performance and music education.
“Charles was very dedicated and a growing musician,” his clarinet instructor, Josie Wells, said in the email. “He loved everything about music. It was very special to him.”