The tragic deaths of two experienced climbers on Mount Rainier last week have sent shockwaves through Washington’s close-knit outdoor community.
Jiri Richter, 51, and Benjamin Watson, 35—both from Seattle—were found dead near Wilson Glacier on January 20, after they went missing during a climbing trip. Authorities have ruled their deaths accidental, caused by blunt-force injuries likely related to a fall.
Climbers Went Missing After Permit Expired
The search began on January 18, when Richter’s and Watson’s climbing permits became overdue. Their emergency contacts hadn’t heard from them since that morning. Concern grew quickly, and National Park rangers began a search.
Park officials located their vehicle at the Paradise parking lot, a common starting point for climbing routes. Using advanced equipment, searchers detected two unmoving individuals near Wilson Glacier, at an elevation of around 9,600 feet.
Ground teams hiked in and found the bodies of both climbers. The Pierce County Medical Examiner later confirmed that Richter died from multiple blunt-force injuries and Watson from blunt-force trauma to the head. Their deaths were confirmed to be accidental.
Remembering Jiri Richter: A Kind Mentor in the Mountains
Jiri Richter was known in the Seattle climbing and paragliding communities as a kind, steady presence with over 20 years of climbing experience. Meredith Mosman, who met Richter in 2016 through her husband—a climbing partner of Richter’s—remembered him as a quiet but supportive figure.
“He wouldn’t say a lot,” she recalled, “but he would give me a pat on the shoulder, crack a joke, and say, ‘You can do it.’” She described how he once shared warm Kool-Aid with her during a tough climb when the altitude made eating difficult. That small gesture stuck with her.
Mosman hopes people remember Richter not just for his climbing skills, but for his kindness and the way he encouraged others, especially newcomers to the sport.
Benjamin Watson: A Passionate Mountaineer with a Gentle Soul
Benjamin Watson moved to Washington from Virginia for an environmental science job, but it was the mountains that made him stay. He had an adventurous spirit, regularly climbing, hiking, skiing, biking, and trail running. In 2018, he summited Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s highest mountain at 18,491 feet.
Watson was deeply loved by his family and friends. His wife, Rena Hamzey, described him as someone who had been drawn to nature since childhood. “He had the mountain bug ever since he could walk,” she said.
When not outdoors, Watson enjoyed quieter moments—watching weather videos, playing online chess, or curling up on the couch with their two cats and a Lord of the Rings marathon.
Stacia Glenn, a close friend, said Watson was “brimming with compassion” and always looked for ways to brighten someone’s day. He was more than just a climber—he was a thoughtful listener and a loyal friend.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Scott Clemans, spokesperson for the National Park Service, confirmed that the investigation is still underway. While their injuries point to a fall, exact details—such as weather conditions, route choices, and timeline—are still being pieced together.
Mount Rainier is a beautiful but dangerous mountain, and even experienced climbers like Richter and Watson face serious risks. Accidents can happen suddenly in alpine environments, especially near glaciers, steep terrain, or during changing weather.
