Bremerton man dies on Mount Rainier

A 41-year-old Bremerton man died May 31 while climbing Mount Rainier.

At 7:30 a.m. Brian Harper collapsed near the summit on a guided climb. He was participating in an expedition led by Alpine Ascents International, one of the licensed guide services on the mountain. No breathing or pulse could be found, and CPR was unsuccessful.

Over the next day, climbing guides worked with National Park Service climbing and aviation rangers to bring the body down the mountain. Weather conditions were finally favorable for the park’s A-STAR helicopter to complete the mission at 10:30 a.m. June 1.

The Pierce County medical examiner will determine cause of death.