Hiker Dies In Fall Near Snoqualmie Pass

An 18-year-old Shoreline man died yesterday in a 125-foot fall off a rocky ledge above Keekwulee Falls west of Snoqualmie Pass.

Tyler Bentley Hook was hiking with three friends in the Snoqualmie National Forest, 1 1/2 miles up from Denny Creek Road, when he apparently left the main trail to get a better view of the falls.

Losing his footing on wet, moss-covered rocks, Hook slid 30 feet before tumbling off the ledge.

He landed in the water pool at the falls' base but is believed to have died from head injuries.

"This is a terrible shock," said Hook's grandfather, Clarence Hook. "He was a very special kind of guy."

Clarence Hook said Tyler was a 1999 graduate of Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, and also played in a Seattle band.

The hiking tragedy occurred at about noon yesterday, after the hikers had followed the Denny Creek Trail through old timber forest and clearings.

After Hook fell from the ledge, his friends climbed down to him and attempted CPR.

Another hiker in the area called 911 on a cellular phone, said Deputy Paul George of the King County Sheriff's Office.

A medic and pilot from Fort Lewis were called in because rescuers' vehicles couldn't get through the rough terrain to the accident site.

A sling was lowered from the military helicopter to lift Hook's body.

"It's a pretty popular sight," said George, referring to the falls, where at least two other hikers have died in the past few years.

"It's one of those things where you have to be careful - they don't have a sign for every slippery rock."

As many as 20 hikers were in the area when Hook slipped, and police interviewed witnesses.

Officials have ruled his death accidental.