CHELAN COUNTY — A couple became stranded in the remote “core zone” of the Enchantments during a severe storm on Sept. 13, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old woman from Oklahoma.
At approximately 5:26 p.m., Chelan County dispatch received a text-to-911 report that the couple was stranded at 7,000 to 8,000 feet elevation, with the nearest trailhead 8 to 10 miles away. The wife was unable to move, and the husband could not carry her out. Both had soaked clothing and no overnight gear, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.
By 5:49 p.m., the male reported his wife was under an emergency blanket surrounded by 1 to 2 feet of snow. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, a ground rescue team from Chelan County Mountain Rescue was requested while an Army helicopter from Yakima was placed on standby.
The Army helicopter made two attempts to reach the area—at 8:00 p.m. and again at 10:50 p.m.—but severe weather prevented access both times, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 14, Chelan County Mountain Rescue personnel reached the couple after a 10-hour effort. Rescuers found the woman deceased and the man suffering from severe hypothermia. They warmed him in a tent while awaiting extraction.
As weather improved, the Army helicopter transported the man and two rescuers to the Leavenworth fish hatchery at 8:39 a.m. He was then transported by ambulance to Cascade Medical Center for treatment.
The woman was identified as 45-year-old Sybil Claborn from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Chelan County Coroner’s Office is investigating her cause and manner of death.
COPYRIGHT 2026 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
