Authorities: Hiker killed in fall near Snoqualmie Pass, dog saves companion

NORTH BEND, Wash. – Authorities in Washington state said a hiker was killed in a fall from a cliff near Snoqualmie Pass – and the hiker’s companion avoided a similar fate thanks to a dog.

King County sheriff’s Sgt. Ryan Abbott says the victim’s companion heard him go over the 200-foot cliff Sunday in the Pratt Lake area.

When he went to investigate, the companion’s dog – a Husky – pulled him back before he went over the edge as well.

Abbott said the companion told authorities that the dog was the only reason he didn’t fall.

The companion had to hike for an hour before he could get a cellphone signal to call for help.

Search and rescue crews found the victim hours later at the bottom of the cliff. Officials said he was a 31-year-old Shoreline man.