2 Women rescued on Pioneer Peak

Two women were rescued off Pioneer Peak Wednesday night after one of the climbers fell onto an and ice ax that lodged in her back.

Alaska State Troopers (AST) report 46-year old Lisa Pierimarchi contacted AST stating that her climbing partner, 23-year old Palmer resident Shawnee Whitehorse, had fallen and lodged her ice pick in her back. Pierimarchi told troopers Whitehorse was unable to move and due to dropping temperatures, required immediate assistance.

Pierimarchi said both women were getting extremely cold and would not be able to continue because of Whitehorse’s injuries. She was able to provide GPS coordinates which police say expedited the rescue. Butte Fire Department (BFD) dispatched paramedics who immediately began ascending to the coordinates. Due to the steep terrain and elevation, JBER’s Rescue Control Center (RCC) was contacted and immediately launched a crew to assist.

According to reports, with BFD paramedics’ assistance, the Alaska Air Guard was able to hoist Whitehorse off the mountain and transport her to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for treatment. AST commended Palmer Dispatch, Butte Paramedics, and Alaska Air Guard’s 176th wing, and the 210th, 211th and 212th rescue groups for their expedited response.