Washington State Patrol Trooper Killed By Avalanche In The Cascades
By Zuri Anderson
February 9, 2021
A Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper died during an avalanche in the Cascades, according to KOMO.
Monday afternoon (February 8), Trooper Steve Houle and a friend were riding snowmobiles in the French Cabin Creek area, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. When the avalanche came slammed the area near Knox Creek Trailhead, both men were overtaken by the snow, officials said.
"The friend was able to dig himself out and made his way back to the French Cabin Creek snopark to call for help. Search and rescue crews spent hours looking for Houle, eventually finding the 51-year-old trooper's body around 7 p.m.," reporters wrote.
WSP has confirmed that Trooper Steve Houle, a 28 year veteran of the WSP is the victim of the avalanche incident and has been found deceased. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, friends and coworkers as they process the loss of a father, husband and friend.
— WA State Patrol (@wastatepatrol) February 9, 2021
Houle is the 22nd person to be killed by an avalanche in the United States this winter season, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
He was also a 28-year veteran with State Patrol, serving in Kittitas County throughout his time. He was recently assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Division. John Batiste, the WSP Chief, said the 51-year-old was "loved and respected by all."
“On behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Trooper Houle’s family, friends and the Washington State Patrol,” Kittitas County Sheriff Clayton Myers said Monday evening. “This is a tragic accident and will be felt hard in our close-knit law enforcement community.”
Photo: Getty Images