Remains of Skier Missing Since December found Near Snoqualmie Pass

A sad ending to a report of a missing skier, last seen near Snoqualmie Pass last December.

King County Sheriff's officials report remains found near the pass on June 4th are those of a 43-year-old Maple Valley man who disappeared last December 19th while back country skiing in the Cascades.

Montague "Monty" Busbee was near Kendall Peak when he likely got swept away by an avalanche, said officials. His remains were found in a valley near the peak area, and an autopsy confirmed the avalanche theory.

It showed he died of what's called "compressional asphyxia," or basically crushed and smothered under the massive torrent of snow and ice.

He was reported missing December 19th, but after several attempts, searches were called off due to bad weather and extremely high avalanche danger for the rescue crews.