Chelan County deputies and Mountain Rescue make heroic rescue effort

A woman from Oklahoma died in the Enchantments this week after she and her husband became stranded in a snowstorm on Sunday.

A text to 911 connection alerted search and rescue deputies and volunteer teams.

The area the couple was at is approximately 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, with either trailhead approximately 8 to 10 miles away. Storms had persisted throughout the day, producing significant snowfall in the area. The man reported that their clothing were soaked and that they did not have overnight gear.

At approximately 5:49 p.m., Sunday, the man texted that his wife was under an emergency blanket and that they were in approximately 1 to 2 feet of snow.

Because of the remote location and deteriorating weather conditions, Chelan County Sheriff's Deputies determined the best option for a rescue would be the use of a helicopter if the weather cleared.

Sheriff’s Operations Chief Ryan Moody recalled Wednesday that a U.S. Army helicopter arrived, but on two attempts the heavy cloud cover and snowfall made it impossible to hoist the pair to safety.

Moody says Chelan County Mountain Rescue team members reached the couple at approximately 3:30 a.m., Monday and reported the woman was deceased and the man was suffering from severe hypothermia. He was warmed inside a tent.

Later Monday morning, the Army helicopter rescue of the man was made. The woman’s body was recovered later in the day.

She was positively identified as Sybil Claborn, 45, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her cause and manner of death is still under investigation by the Chelan County Coroner’s Office.