John Arum’s backpack found in Cascade Mountains

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Rescue workers in the Cascade Mountains have found the backpack of boxing promoter Bob Arum’s son, but the 49-year-old experienced climber is still missing.

John Arum’s backpack was found late Wednesday afternoon 900 feet below the summit of Storm King, an 8,515 foot peak about 85 miles northeast of Seattle. Climbing gear was missing from the backpack, according North Cascades National Parks spokeswoman Kerry Olson.

The backpack was recovered along a climbing route and it ‘looked as though it were placed there,’ Olson added.

Twelve searchers and two helicopters resumed looking for the lost climber Thursday morning. Arum, an environmental lawyer who was reported missing Monday, was believed to be alone.

He was on a quest to climb the 100 highest summits in Washington, and family members said he had only 18 peaks remaining to reach his goal.

--Melissa Rohlin

The Associated Press contributed to this report