Yet apparently no one, not one, has reported meeting this guy anywhere on the trail. However this turns out, it is a pretty strange case.
Originally Posted By: wbtravis
This changes my thought process on this...to there was an accident or an accident because of health episode somewhere along the trail rather and a walk off into area a noob might.
I think they may need to check the West Face of Whitney/Needles.
If he wandered off, it is most likely going to be down the JMT cutoff (whether he did so out of inexperience or because he perhaps needed to get to lower altitude for a health episode). Or perhaps one of the easternmost switchbacks (below Whitney Pass and high above Consultation Lake).
Steve also makes a great point about where he might have been during sundown.
Is it known whether or not the group had stayed on the Switchbacks on the way up? Had they considered using the chute? Maybe he considered opting for a speedy glissade down the chute in lieu of the switchbacks?
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