2 hikers killed in Snoqualmie Pass avalanche identified

Two hikers who died in an avalanche near Snoqualmie Pass over the weekend have been identified as Stacia Marie Thompson, 33, and Craig Stanton, 38, by the King County Medical Examiner's Office.

Both hikers died of asphyxiation Sunday, according to the medical examiner. The deaths were classified as accidental.

A third hiker, identified as Thompson's husband, Mark, 38, survived after being rescued Tuesday by the King County Sheriff's Office. He is in satisfactory condition, according to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle

The Thompsons moved to Bellevue last summer from University Place, Pierce County, said a person at the Thompson home Wednesday.

The three hikers left for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area Friday and planned to return home Sunday, the sheriff's office reported. When the group failed to return, the father of one of the hikers drove to the area Monday and found their vehicle. Heavy rains Monday prevented a helicopter search, and the hikers were found Tuesday.

Mark Thompson told rescuers that the three had been struck by an avalanche near Snow Lake, north of Snoqualmie Pass. He was able to find a backpack and improvise shelter, the sheriff's office reported.

Thompson suffered a broken leg and was airlifted to Harborview.