Ep 7. Missing in the Mountains

In season 6 episode 7 of Disappeared titled "Missing in the Mountains," viewers are introduced to the case of Karen Sykes, a seasoned hiker who went missing while on a solo hike in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State.

Karen Sykes was an experienced hiker and writer who had published books and numerous articles on hiking in the Pacific Northwest. On June 7, 2014, she set out on a solo hike to the summit of Vesper Peak, a popular hiking destination in the Cascade Mountains. She had hiked the same trail before and was expected to return the following day. However, Karen never returned.

When her family realized she was missing, they contacted the authorities who immediately launched a search and rescue operation. The search for Karen would continue for several days, with searchers combing the rugged terrain of the Cascade Mountains, but they were unable to find any sign of the missing hiker.

As the search for Karen intensified, investigators began to piece together her last known movements. They discovered that she had started her hike with a male hiking partner, but had sent him back down the trail as she continued towards the summit alone. The partner reported that Karen was in good spirits and well-prepared for the journey. However, as the day wore on, weather conditions worsened and visibility became limited due to fog and rain.

Despite the challenging conditions, Karen was determined to reach the summit. She had communicated with her hiking partner via text message, sending him updates on her progress. However, as the day progressed and she encountered difficult terrain, her messages became more urgent and worried. In her final message, she indicated that she had reached the summit but was having trouble finding the trail on her way down.

The last known communication with Karen was a distress call made by her hiking partner, who had returned to the trailhead and alerted park rangers of Karen's disappearance. The call was made more than 24 hours after Karen had last contacted him, and search and rescue teams were called in to search the area.

The search for Karen lasted for six days and involved dozens of volunteers and search and rescue personnel. Despite their best efforts, Karen was not found. The family offered a reward for any information that could lead to her whereabouts, but nothing turned up.

Nearly a year later, Karen's body was discovered by a group of hikers near the summit of Vesper Peak. The cause of death was determined to be hypothermia.

The disappearance and death of Karen Sykes shocked the hiking community and raised concerns about the dangers of hiking alone, particularly in areas with challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.

The episode offers a detailed examination of Karen's disappearance, including interviews with her family, friends, and hiking colleagues. It also features interviews with search and rescue personnel who worked tirelessly to search for Karen, as well as law enforcement officials who investigated her case.

The episode also offers a glimpse into the challenges and dangers faced by hikers in remote mountain areas, particularly those who hike alone. It highlights the importance of proper preparation, including bringing adequate gear and supplies, as well as staying aware of changing weather conditions.

Overall, "Missing in the Mountains" is a captivating and heartbreaking episode that sheds light on the dangers of hiking and the devastating effects of not properly preparing for a journey.