'It was the hardest thing I've had to go through in my whole life'
SEATTLE -- The climber who spent hours trying to save the lives of two teenage hikers last weekend says it was the most difficult experience of his life.
Samuel Morrisson Sr. and his hiking partner were just returning to their car on Sunday when a teenage hiker came sprinting down the mountain for help. The hiker said his brother and another teen had fallen during a hike.
An experienced outdoorsman with first aid skills, Morrisson turned around and ran the four miles back to the injured boys.
"If you're out hiking and you need help, it's not even a question of whether we're going to do it. We'll give it our all no matter if it's risking our lives or not," Morrisson said.
The injured hikers, Andrew Lusink, 16, and Ben Skagen, 18, had fallen hundreds of feet after climbing the steep, rocky slope of Otter Falls near North Bend.
Morrisson and his hiking partner, Derek Cofield, reached the severely injured boys and immediately began work trying to keep them breathing until a ranger could get there.
"I thought those kids were going to make it when we got there," Morrisson said.
They built a signal fire after the ranger called for a chopper. Despite their best efforts, the two boys died before help could arrive.
Morrisson said he's still struggling with the deaths.
"It was the hardest thing I've had to go through in my whole life," he said.
Holding his 8-month old son is a comfort to Morrisson, but he said he still feels deep sorrow.
"I'll think of them every time, every time I'm out," he said. "I'll remember what happened. You gotta love life. You can't give up because hard things happen."
A memorial service for the two hikers is scheduled for next Monday.
Samuel Morrisson Sr. and his hiking partner were just returning to their car on Sunday when a teenage hiker came sprinting down the mountain for help. The hiker said his brother and another teen had fallen during a hike.
An experienced outdoorsman with first aid skills, Morrisson turned around and ran the four miles back to the injured boys.
"If you're out hiking and you need help, it's not even a question of whether we're going to do it. We'll give it our all no matter if it's risking our lives or not," Morrisson said.
The injured hikers, Andrew Lusink, 16, and Ben Skagen, 18, had fallen hundreds of feet after climbing the steep, rocky slope of Otter Falls near North Bend.
Morrisson and his hiking partner, Derek Cofield, reached the severely injured boys and immediately began work trying to keep them breathing until a ranger could get there.
"I thought those kids were going to make it when we got there," Morrisson said.
They built a signal fire after the ranger called for a chopper. Despite their best efforts, the two boys died before help could arrive.
Morrisson said he's still struggling with the deaths.
"It was the hardest thing I've had to go through in my whole life," he said.
Holding his 8-month old son is a comfort to Morrisson, but he said he still feels deep sorrow.
"I'll think of them every time, every time I'm out," he said. "I'll remember what happened. You gotta love life. You can't give up because hard things happen."
A memorial service for the two hikers is scheduled for next Monday.
Mr. Morrison, if either of my children are ever in a situation like these boys were, I pray that someone like you or your friend are there to provide some comfort. Thank you for helping someone you did not know so willingly through the most difficult transition of their lives. You gave comfort in the end.
Your presence was the greatest blessing those two boys had that night, Sam. All we truly have as human beings is each other.
Mr Morrison and his friend are examples to all of us. Â There are so many good people out there willing to come to the aid of others, even when it's inconvenient or risky. Â Bless you for your courageous effort. Â That desire to set aside selfish interests for the good of another is what elevates us, and it doesn't just come from nowhere. Â It's those times when circumstances evolve beyond our control that we begin to understand who we really are and on whom we depend for everything.
Among a mother's greatest fears is that their child would be alone and afraid in a time of great need. Mr. Morrisson and his friend undoubtedly gave comfort to both the injured boys AND their parents. I hope he knows that, even though the boys did not make it, what he did won't ever be forgotten and may have made all the difference in the world in helping grieving parents make it through such tough days.
You Sir are a true hero !Â
What a tragic event. My heart goes out to the families of the two young men who perished. Mr. Morrisson, please take solice in the fact that you did what you could despite unsurmountable odds. They did not die alone in the middle of the wilderness.
My hats off him for not thinking twice to go and help, wish there were more people like Mr Morrisson in this world. Â Prayers to the families of the two boys and prayers to Mr Morrisson as well to help him cope with his experience.
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Bravo young man.
This guy is amazing. I feel so sorry for him. I hope he understands he did all he could do and that's all anyone can do. Tragic all the way around.
How blessed these boys were to have someone with so much heart and courage there with them in their last moments. Â
It's got to be devastating for 2 young people to die right before your eyes when you are trying everything you can to save them. My heart goes out to you.
What a heart you have! I was wondering how you guys were doing. I am so sorry, at least you were there to comfort and send the boys on their final journey in this world. The pain will soften. You did not only the right thing but the righteous thing.
My thoughts are with you and yours.
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Bless your heart. As a ex ff/paramedic, and volunteer for desert motocross races, I've seen some pretty cruddy stuff, and you ALWAYS want to hope for the best, especially when out in the desert waiting for an airlift, and you are working with pretty much NOTHING other than improvisational skills ... No matter how much training you have, there is always going to be something that lingers. Just know you and your friend tried your very best.  So sorry for the loss of these 2 young guys ... but huge kudos to you for trying to help.Â
I wondered how the men who had tried to help the boys were faring. They were courageous and commited to helping those kids.
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Such a terrible loss for the families as well as the people who came to the aid of their children. I wish them all solace in their grief. Knowing that good decent people walk among us is a comfort to many.
People like you help me not giving up on the human kind. Thank you for what you did. I hope you can feel the solidarity of us many and through it find the strength to deal with the pain. These kids had your love, and you have ours.
It can't be said enough. Â God bless you!
As others have said " Bless you Samuel and Derek for all you did to help these two boys. " You were there with them and you gave your all to them.
To Morrison and Cofield..Bless you both - yes it was difficult and life changing for you, but you both made sure the boys last moments were not spent alone - I am sure they felt some comfort knowing they were in caring hands. Bless you and others like you.
Morrison and Coefield are true heros, I wish them the best in such a difficult moment <3
and send my compassion to the families who are mourning <3
I have to agree with those who have commented on here. Mr Morrison you and your hiking partner did all the right things so hold your head high. I am sure that the families involved appreciated the effort you made to save their loved ones lives. As others have stated you are both heroes in my eyes. As stated most would not have made the attempt you made fearing reprisal of a lawsuit. Thank you for what you did for them. I am sure that you will not be forgotten by the families involved. my condolences to the families on their loss of their loved ones.
The world needs more people in it like Samuel Morrisson and his friend. It is very sad that their efforts to save the boys were not successful, but they are heroes nonetheless. Condolences to the families of the boys, I hope you will find comfort in memories of happier times.
I can only echo what others have said. Thank you, Samuel for your compassion, it is certain the memory will follow you on all of your treks. To the families, Â my condolences.
the world needs more people like Mr Morrison and his friend. sad, sorry ending, but they tried thier best. it must be a terrible memory....
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not many people can walk, let alone run, 4 miles these days.
Wow, this is indeed sobering...  What a tragedy.  Kudos to the guys who pitched in to help.  I am so sorry for the families of the young men who perished. Â
At least you guys DID something, which is more than most people nowadays would have done. Rest easy guys. You did what you could, but is just wasn't meant to be. In the eyes of a lot of us out here, you're truly people to be admired and respected.
 @LoudNoises Please don't denigrate the selfless act, by adding cynicism.  You're wrong. Most people WOULD do the same thing in the same situation, and for that I'm grateful.  The majority of people are extremely good and helpful, but the cliched "more than most people would have done" mentality tears apart the good.  Just say " In the eyes of a lot of us out here, you're truly people to be admired and respected."  and leave it at that.Â
Heartbreaking. They did their best and that's what matters. The families will always remember that and appreciate the fact that their sons were not alone. God bless you Samuel and Derek, you are good men with big hearts and you did all you could. You are both heroes.