Chelan County Sheriff(CCSD) - Sheriff Harum reports on September 15, 2008 at 1542 hours, Rivercom Dispatch Center received a 911 cell phone call from Michael Stollov (49) from Brier, WA.

Stollov advised he was hiking toward Mt. Howard (North of Hwy 2 about 8 miles East of the Stevens Pass Summit) on trail #1583 when he lost his footing on a knife edge ridge.  Stollov estimated he fell about 30 feet down a steep rock scree.

Stollov described to Rivercom dispatchers, he landed a small ledge and could not go up or down. He stated he was not injured but was losing coordination and was having trouble gripping with his hands.

Rivercom eventually “pinged” Stollov’s cell phone and acquired his exact GPS location.  The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, “Air 20” flew to the GPS coordinates and located Stollov. “Air 20” reported the hiker had fallen 150 to 200 feet not 30 as originally thought.  “Air 20” reported if Stollov left the ledge he was on, he would fall down an even steeper slope for about 400 feet.

WA State Emergency Management Department attempted to get a winch capable helicopter.  Initially, all capable airships were unavailable and the military was called upon.

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) leaders called for assistance from Whidbey Island Air Naval Base.  Additionally, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office High Angle Rope and Rescue Team (HARRT)was activated in the event a winch capable helicopter was unobtainable.

With temperatures forecasted to be in the upper 30's at 6,200 feet and Stollov was not dressed or equipped to stay the night, SAR leaders were concerned with Stollov becoming hypothermic and falling from his current location.

At 1943 hours, SAR leaders were advised NAS Whidbey Island would be en-route and should be in the area at about 2020 hours. The Whidbey airship located Stollov and winch him into the aircraft. They landed with Stollov at the DOT facility Berne Camp where he was checked by a Corpsman from the Navy Aircraft and EMS personnel from Cascade Medical Center.

Stollov was found to be in suitable health.  Stollov refused medical treatment.  He was given a ride to his vehicle at the trailhead less than a mile away and he drove home.