Missing hiker's body recovered at Mount Rainier Park

SEATTLE -- The body of a hiker who had fallen down steep terrain more than 200 feet on Pinnacle Peak at Mount Rainier National Park was recovered Friday by rescue crews.

George Merriam, 66, of Lakewood, had been reported missing by his wife Thursday evening.

Rangers found Merriam's vehicle at the trailhead and conducted a search until nightfall. The search was renewed at daybreak and Merriam was spotted by a helicopter about 8:30 a.m. Friday. An incoming storm forced the helicopter off the mountain and rescue crews spent seven hours on the ground to reach Merriam.