Review finds Mt. Rainier ranger's death unpreventable
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - Nothing could have been done to prevent the fatal shooting of a Mount Rainier National Park ranger who was shot by a man apparently fleeing a New Year's Eve shooting, a review board said Thursday.
The National Park Service review board determined park officials could not have stopped a "disturbed and determined" man, who came to the park "well-armed and prepared to hurt people," from killing Ranger Margaret Anderson on Jan. 1.
Her actions in trying to stop Benjamin Barnes after he sped through a mandatory chain-up checkpoint kept Barnes from reaching the crowded Paradise area "and likely saved the lives of many park visitors and staff," the review board said.
"Her murder is a tragic reminder of the risk all law enforcement officers face every day. It is our obligation to learn from this horrific incident and use that knowledge to increase the safety of our employees and park visitors," said Chris Lehnertz, Pacific West regional director for the Park Service.
Barnes was apparently fleeing a New Year's Eve shooting in the Seattle area. He took off on foot through snow after shooting Anderson and was found dead the next day in a creek, having drowned while suffering hypothermia.
The Park Service review board also recognized the response of the staff, volunteers and partner agencies and made a list of recommendations to prepare for similar incidents in the future.
They recommended an update of the park law enforcement procedures for critical incidents, use of force and communications during crises. More training was recommended, and it was suggested that park officials work with local law enforcement officials to develop memorandums of understanding.
The National Park Service review board determined park officials could not have stopped a "disturbed and determined" man, who came to the park "well-armed and prepared to hurt people," from killing Ranger Margaret Anderson on Jan. 1.
Her actions in trying to stop Benjamin Barnes after he sped through a mandatory chain-up checkpoint kept Barnes from reaching the crowded Paradise area "and likely saved the lives of many park visitors and staff," the review board said.
"Her murder is a tragic reminder of the risk all law enforcement officers face every day. It is our obligation to learn from this horrific incident and use that knowledge to increase the safety of our employees and park visitors," said Chris Lehnertz, Pacific West regional director for the Park Service.
Barnes was apparently fleeing a New Year's Eve shooting in the Seattle area. He took off on foot through snow after shooting Anderson and was found dead the next day in a creek, having drowned while suffering hypothermia.
The Park Service review board also recognized the response of the staff, volunteers and partner agencies and made a list of recommendations to prepare for similar incidents in the future.
They recommended an update of the park law enforcement procedures for critical incidents, use of force and communications during crises. More training was recommended, and it was suggested that park officials work with local law enforcement officials to develop memorandums of understanding.
This story breaks my heart! My husband and I hike up at Rainier often. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place. I think of her and her family each time we hike and I'm just so saddened by what happened to her. She most likely saved a lot of people, she was very heroic! It's sad that such a horrific crime took place in such a beautiful place. RIP and pray comfort for her friends and family and co-workers.
I hike up at Rainier every weekend, and I think of her & her family every time I enter the park. I am pleased to note some minor, but useful security enhancements upon entering the park. I will not point those out for obvious reasons, but the park is doing its best to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Â
No doubt that when Ranger Anderson or anyone who signs up to be a park ranger, do not expect to have dangerous human encounters.  They do expect wild animal encounters. This entire situation is so sad. My condolences to the family and I am sure this report does not help heal their pain.
 @heyjoe Actually, as I understand it, National Park Rangers are sworn law enforcement officers who expect and encounter all sorts of violent situations.
Well, there was the option of telling Park Rangers that they should not die for the purpose of enforcing tire chain policies....except for that there was nothing that could have been done.
@Jesse Mitchell That's not how it went down. If I recall correctly, she had received advanced radio notice that the man had blown through the chain-up area below the point where she was. She willingly put herself in harm's way to set up a roadblock further up the road in an attempt to prevent entry to the more populated visitor's area at Paradise. She assessed the situation and took a calculated risk for the safety of others. She was not enforcing tire chain policies, she wisely noted that a greater risk was at hand and did her best to protect park patrons and employees.
too much hate in the world.
To the friends of Ranger Anderson, but mostely to her family, it still chokes me up to see her picture. I agree that nothing could have been done differently, except after the fact. There was no way of knowing what was going to go down that night. She did her job, which may have saves others lives, but there was just such a huge wrongness that left this void in your world. God bless you, and may she rest in pease.   Â
Hypothermia and drowning in an icy creek. Â What an awful way to go........ he got what he deserved.Â
 @The206 Not bad enough for that piece of crap. He went out in a daze.
@KittySmasher @The206 Too bad he didn't fall 100 feet, breaking multiple bones & causing internal injuries, then lay there for hours before dying.
Sorry, I guess that isn't very compassionate of me to wish pain on another.