Leavenworth, Washington — A 45-year-old Oklahoma mother of three died after becoming stranded in an intense snowstorm while hiking with her husband in Washington’s rugged Enchantments region.
Sybil Claborn of Oklahoma City was hiking with her husband on Sunday, Sept. 13, when the couple became trapped in what authorities described as the “core zone” of a powerful snowstorm near Leavenworth.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said the couple was hiking at an elevation of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 feet, with significant snowfall continuing throughout the day.
Husband Called 911 as Conditions Deteriorated
Authorities were first notified at approximately 5:26 p.m. local time Sunday through a text-to-911 report from Claborn’s husband.
He told authorities that his wife was unable to move and that he could not carry her out.
The couple was also in a precarious position because their clothing had become soaked and they did not have equipment suitable for spending the night in the mountains.
“The area the couple was at is approximately 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, with either trailhead approximately 8 to 10 miles away,” the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said.
“Storms had persisted throughout the day, producing significant snowfall in the area.”
Shortly afterward, Claborn’s husband reported that she was under an emergency blanket and that the couple was surrounded by approximately 1 to 2 feet of snow.
Rescue Efforts Complicated by Snowstorm
Authorities immediately began working on a rescue plan, initially attempting to organize a helicopter response.However, worsening weather and dangerous mountain conditions made an aerial rescue increasingly difficult.
Chelan County Mountain Rescue began traveling toward the couple on foot after the helicopter operation became unworkable. At approximately 6:51 p.m., authorities requested a hoist-capable helicopter in case weather conditions improved enough for another aerial attempt.
An Army helicopter was dispatched from Yakima at approximately 8 p.m., but the aircraft was unable to reach the couple because of the hazardous conditions.
Throughout the night, Claborn’s husband continued sending updates to emergency personnel about her condition.
“Throughout the evening, the male continued providing updates to RiverCom regarding his wife’s deteriorating condition and the possibility that it was becoming fatal,” the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities continued asking the Army to attempt an aerial response if conditions improved, particularly in case the husband’s assessment changed or he himself developed a medical emergency.
Second Helicopter Attempt Also Failed
Nearly three hours after the first attempt, the Army helicopter made another effort to reach the stranded couple.
The aircraft was again unable to reach them because of the dangerous weather conditions. With an aerial rescue still impossible, ground rescuers continued their difficult trek through the snow-covered terrain.
At approximately 3:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14, Chelan County Mountain Rescue finally reached the couple. By then, it was too late for Claborn.
“Rescuers reported the female was deceased and the male was suffering from severe hypothermia,” the sheriff’s office said.
Rescuers were able to place Claborn’s husband inside a tent and warm him while preparations were made to evacuate him from the mountain.
Husband Treated After Rescue
Claborn’s husband and two mountain rescue team members were eventually transported by an Army helicopter to the Leavenworth fish hatchery at approximately 8:39 a.m.
From there, Claborn’s husband was taken to Cascade Medical Center for medical treatment.
Authorities launched a recovery operation for Claborn at approximately 9:47 a.m.
The Chelan County Coroner’s Office identified Claborn and continues to investigate the circumstances and manner of her death.
Family Remembers Mother of Three
Friends of the family described Claborn as a deeply devoted wife, mother and friend.
A GoFundMe fundraiser established by friends called her a “devoted wife, an incredible mother, and the kind of friend who made everyone around her feel loved.”
Claborn and her husband were parents to three young daughters.
According to the fundraiser, her husband, Justin, returned to Oklahoma City on Thursday, Sept. 17, and is expected to remain on bed rest for several months while recovering from the ordeal and caring for his daughters.
“If you know Sybil, you know how deeply she loved her family,” the fundraiser description said. “Her girls were her everything. She showed up for them, advocated for them, celebrated them, and loved each of them exactly as they needed to be loved.”
The fundraiser is intended to help the family with Claborn’s memorial expenses and support them while her husband recovers. More than $82,000 had been raised toward a $130,000 goal as of publication.
13-Year-Old Long Island Prodigy Beats Cancer and Earns a Spot in NYU’s Graduate Program
Officials Urge Hikers to Prepare Carefully
The Enchantments are known for their dramatic mountain scenery, but the terrain and weather can present serious challenges.
The Washington Trails Association categorizes the Enchantments as a difficult hike and warns visitors not to underestimate the experience.
“This challenging experience should not be underestimated; please make sure you have the right gear and preparation,” the organization states.
Claborn’s death underscores how quickly conditions can become dangerous at high elevations, particularly when heavy snow, freezing temperatures and limited access to trailheads combine.
Have you ever experienced rapidly changing weather while hiking or camping? Share your experience in the comments, and let us know what safety preparations you consider essential before heading into the mountains.