Avalanche in Washington State kills two snowmobilers

Officials say an avalanche near Longs Pass in Kittitas County on Friday buried four snowmobilers; two men died and two were rescued.

Four men were caught in an avalanche near Longs Pass in northern Kittitas County on Friday, officials announced. Two men survived and were rescued after sending a satellite distress call, and two men were found deceased. Rescue teams returned the next morning with search dogs and a helicopter to recover the victims and personal items. The Kittitas County coroner will determine the cause of death. Key details: - The Northwest Avalanche Center and the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office reported that four snowmobilers were buried; two were recovered alive and two were found deceased. - The deceased were identified by the sheriff's office as 38-year-old Paul Markoff and 43-year-old Erik Henne. - Heavy mountain snowfall had been reported across the region in the days before the incident, and officials have not announced a cause. Summary: The incident resulted in two deaths and two survivors and involved a multi-team recovery effort over Friday and Saturday. The coroner's office will complete a review to determine cause of death; further official updates have not been announced.