PNOA Statement Regarding the Tragic Accident Involving Yan Cen (Rock)

To all members, outdoor enthusiasts, and the general public:

Since the accident occurred on March 21, the primary mission of the Pacific Northwest Outdoor Association (PNOA) has been to provide full support to the family of the deceased, while cooperating with the police investigation and awaiting the official report. In response to recent inaccurate media reports (such as the misidentification of Yan Cen’s status as a “temporary resident and accompanying parent” as that of a “tourist”), and to restore the truth while honoring the deceased, we hereby issue the following statement:

I. Incident Details and Rescue Attempt

On the day of the incident, after completing their summit and beginning the descent, the team was traversing a steep snow slope when a teammate suddenly lost their footing and began to slide. In that split second, Yan Cen (known to his friends as “Rock”) and the lead hiker instinctively rushed toward the sliding teammate to attempt a rescue.
During this process, Rock also lost his footing and fell more than 100 meters down the snow slope, eventually coming to rest above a waterfall. After ensuring the safety of the injured teammate, the other members, and himself, the lead hiker immediately descended to locate Rock. He provided all possible emergency first aid (including thermal protection) and remained by Rock’s side until rescue personnel arrived. Tragically, Rock succumbed to the severity of his injuries sustained during this sudden accident.

II. On-Site Emergency Action

Immediately following the accident, the assistant leader and other team members initiated emergency protocols:

Emergency Support: The assistant leader descended to the accident site immediately to provide care and remain with the injured teammate.
Emergency Communication: A member with leadership experience took responsibility for calling 911, coordinating with search and rescue teams, and guiding the helicopter rescue efforts.
Safe Evacuation: Another member with leadership experience stabilized the emotions of the remaining team members and safely guided them back to the parking lot.

III. Appeal and Final Statement

Despite all rescue efforts, Rock tragically passed away the following day. We kindly urge the public to refer to the GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/950cdf4e6) and official PNOA statements for accurate information. Please cease the spread of unverified reports and grant the deceased, his family, and all involved parties the necessary peace and respect.

We thank the community for your understanding and care during this difficult time. Let us together remember the brave and selfless Yan Cen (Rock).

Pacific Northwest Outdoor Association (PNOA)

March 28, 2026

PNOA 协会公告——关于 Yan Cen（石头）遇难事故的情况说明

致全体会员、户外爱好者及社会各界人士：

自 3 月 21 日事故发生以来，PNOA 协会首要任务是全力驰援家属，同时配合警方调查并等待官方正式报告。针对近期媒体的不实传闻(如将石头的临时陪读居民身份误传成是游客)，为还原真相、尊重逝者，现郑重说明如下：

一、事故经过与营救细节

事发当日，登山队在完成登顶下撤、横切一段陡峭雪坡时，一名队员意外失足滑落。在千钧一发之际，Yan Cen（石头）与主领队本能地冲向坠滑队友进行营救。在此过程中，石头也不幸滑倒，从雪坡向下坠落 100 余米，最终停留在瀑布上方。主领队在确认受伤队员没有危险，其他队友安全和他自身安全的前提下，立即向下搜寻，找到石头，施以一切可能的紧急救护(包括保温)，一直等待到救援人员到来。石头在这起突发意外中，因为伤势过重而不幸罹难。

二、现场应急处理

事故发生后，副领队和其它队员们立即启动应急行动：
紧急支持：副领队第一时间下撤至事故点，全程看护受伤队员。
紧急通讯：一名有领队经验的队员负责拨打911并对接搜救队，配合直升机救援。
安全撤离：另一名有领队经验的队员稳定全队情绪，并安全带领其余队员撤离至停车场。

三、呼吁与声明

尽管全力抢救，石头仍因伤势过重于次日离世。我们恳请社会各界以 GoFundMe ( https://gofund.me/950cdf4e6 ) 及协会官方说明为准，停止传播不实信息，给予逝者、家属及涉事人员必要的安宁与尊重。

感谢各界的理解与关怀。让我们共同铭记勇敢、无私的 Yan Cen（石头）。

太平洋西北户外协会
(PNOA）
2026年3月28日