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Injured Climber, Partner Stranded on Mt. Rainier

From Times Wire Services

Deep snow and whiteout conditions on Mt. Rainier thwarted efforts to reach an injured climber stranded with a companion near the summit, slowing rangers and forcing a helicopter to abort a rescue.

Peter Cooley, 39, who showed signs of a severe head injury, and climbing partner Scott Richards, 42, were stuck for a second night on a 45-degree slope, officials at Mount Rainier National Park said. They are from Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Cooley slipped and fell early Saturday on Liberty Ridge at the 12,300-foot level of the 14,410-foot mountain.

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