Body of US Forest Service member found buried in snow off Blewett Pass

January 24, 2020 3:59 PM

Emily Oliver,

Posted: January 24, 2020 3:59 PM

by Emily Oliver

CHELAN, Wash. — A US Forest Service member died on Thursday when snow fell from the roof she was standing under, burying her beneath, the Chelan County Fire District 3 said.

Chelan County Fire District 6, Cascade Medical Center, and Chelan County Sheriff’s Office members responded to the area just off Blewett Pass right before 4 p.m. There, they found Kimiko Nalle, 46, buried in the snow.

Nalle had worked with the US Forest Service for 26 years, and also spent 17 years as a volunteer firefighter with Chelan County Fire District 6. According to a release, she served on both Incident Management and Fire Prevention teams and was dedicated to protecting the community.

She leaves behind her husband, who is a retired US Forest Service member and the current Deputy Chief/ Fire Marshal for Chelan County Fire District 3 in Leavenworth.

A Kimiko Nalle Memorial Fund was established and anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at Cashmere Valley Bank.