[at-l] Backpacker Fatality on AT

[Jim Smith]

HIKER FATALITY - GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

                      SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2010, 5:40 p.m.





      Ross Sabin Enderle, 26, from Pontiac, Mich., died while conducting a
two-night backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with two
friends and his brother, Ryan.  On Saturday morning, Park Rangers responded
to the incident at Icewater Spring shelter, one of the shelters along the
Appalachian Trail.



      Enderle and his hiking companions had stayed the second night of
their itinerary at the Icewater Spring shelter on Friday.  Besides their
group of four, there were two other backpackers staying in the shelter and
two others nearby.  When they awoke on Saturday morning and tried to arouse
Enderle, he was unresponsive.  One of the hikers staying at the shelter
contacted 911 by a cell phone and Great Smoky Mountains National Park was
notified around 7:45 a.m.



      Shortly after the notification, Park Rangers arrived at the shelter
at 9:14 a.m.  Enderle exhibited no signs of life upon an examination by a
Park EMT.  Park Rangers placed the body on a litter and carried the victim
3 miles from Icewater Spring to Newfound Gap via the Appalachian Trail.



The body was transported to Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, N.C., where
an autopsy was performed.  The Park is awaiting results from the autopsy
and a toxicology report.  Park Rangers are continuing an investigation to
determine the cause of death.   Preliminary findings indicate there was no
foul play.











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