Washington’s skydiving and aviation communities are mourning the loss of a beloved Bothell pilot who was found dead following a massive three-day search near Mt. Pugh.
Alex Keen, 34, reported missing Sunday, May 10, after he failed to show up for work, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators later determined he had likely gone hiking alone near Mt. Pugh, outside Darrington. Search crews found his vehicle at a trailhead and launched an extensive rescue effort involving mountain rescue teams and sheriff’s office helicopters.
Hikers descending the trail provided clues about Keen’s possible location during the first 12 hours of the search, deputies said.
Search crews later discovered personal belongings near the top of a steep couloir. On the third day of the operation, rescuers descended roughly 800 feet into the area and found Keen’s body.
His official cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office.
“Alex… was a beloved son, nephew, and friend,” his aunt Karin Clemetson wrote on a GoFundMe campaign. “Our family is heartbroken by his sudden passing.”
The family is now grappling with both heartbreak and the financial burden left behind after what she described as a “tragic accident.”
“He enjoyed the outdoors, he enjoyed some adrenaline and he just enjoyed adventure,” Clemetson told The Seattle Times.
The loss has also deeply shaken the community at Skydive Snohomish, where Keen worked full-time as a pilot.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our friend, and Skydive Snohomish family member, Alex Keen,” the company wrote in a statement.
“Alex was a huge part of our team, our dropzone, the aviation community here at Harvey Airfield, and our daily lives,” the statement continued. “His loss is deeply felt by everyone here. We love you, Alex.”
The company temporarily shut down operations as employees and friends gathered to support one another.
Donations will help cover funeral costs, transportation expenses, legal documents, outstanding debts, and support for Keen’s mother, who is now mourning the loss of her only child, Clemetson said.
“Every contribution will help ease the financial burden and allow Alex’s mother to focus on honoring his memory and finding comfort in the support of loved ones,” she wrote.
Clemetson also encouraged people to donate to Snohomish County Search and Rescue, praising the volunteers who spent days searching for Keen in difficult terrain.
“An amazing group of dedicated caring volunteers spent countless hours searching and finding Alex,” she wrote.
Those interested in supporting the family can donate via GoFundMe here.
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