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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Two Spokane adventurers reported safe in Nepal

Hazen Audel of Spokane, left, is with a family in Nepal -- camping out to avoid danger of collapsing buildings during a series of earthquakes that have rocked the nation in late April 2015. (Courtesy)
Two well-known Spokane adventurers in Nepal have reported they are unharmed and doing OK as earthquakes continue to rumble and cause widespread havoc and death in the Himalayan country. Jess Roskelley, who’s on a filming expedition to climb Annapurna, the 10th highest peak in the world, has contacted friends and family and said he’s safe. Allison Spencer, Roskelley’s fiance in Spokane, said the group is in good shape at basecamp and waiting until conditions stabilize. “They’re unsure on next steps; their hearts are with everyone affected by the damage on Everest and in Nepal,” she said. Hazen Audel, former Ferris High School biology teacher, is in Nepal during travels for filming his starring role in the series “Surviving the Tribe” for the National Geographic Channel. He just arrived in Kathmandu as the earthquakes were taking their toll. Here’s an update he posted today on Facebook to friends concerned about his safety: “Everyone in the city is pretty on edge and disturbed. But everyone is helping everyone in every way they can. Some places have been really hit harder than others. I am safe with my Nepali family. We are camping outside in the yard for most safety. There have been over 42 significant earthquakes happening over the last two days. We think most aftershocks are over. If all goes right, I get to get on a plane home can’t wait to see long awaited Spokane spring. I want to see my family, friends, my cat, lilacs, arrowleaf balsam root and the Spokane river. Thank you all for your prayers and concerns and support.”