Missing Army lieutenant’s body found by hikers near Mount St. Helens in Washington

Officials have confirmed that hikers near Mount St. Helens have found the body of 25-year-old Army First Lt. Brian Yang.

What happened: The hikers reportedly found an unresponsive body on a ridge below them in the Mount Whittier area of New Hampshire on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Army Times.

Officials confirmed the body was Yang’s and believe that the young lieutenant “appeared to have fallen about 200 feet (61 meters) down a very steep embankment.”
Yang, who was last seen at the Coldwater Trailhead on Sunday, was believed to be training for an ultramarathon, KOIN reported.
His car was also discovered at the trailhead on Monday night, according to KGW.
Around 100 volunteers joined the search for Yang. Authorities were preparing to send out aircraft and drones before Yang’s body was found.

Who was Yang: A first lieutenant based at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Yang was assigned as a platoon leader for the 513th Transportation Company, 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, according to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Lt. Col. Alan Fowler, who described Yang as “an exceptional Soldier and leader,” extends his condolences to Yang’s family, friends and the soldiers affected by his death.
“First Lieutenant Yang touched the lives of so many within our organization and will be sorely missed,” Folwer said. “We want to thank all of the law enforcement and the local public who volunteered their time to help look for Brian.”

Featured Image via @1STCORPS

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