Washington—Mt. St. Helens: A party of 3 inexperienced 17 year old boys started for the top on October 26, 1952. They did not have ice axes, crampons, or ropes. About half way up two of them decided to return because of icy glaciers and crevasses. Following a heated discussion the third boy, Pat Girardot, went on alone. When he did not show up that evening the other two reported him missing. Searchers found his body the next morning at the base of a steep snow field 1200 to 1500 feet below the summit.

Source: Mountain Rescue Council and the interrogation of the other two members of the party.

Comment: Climbing alone, climbing without proper equipment, climbing in a dangerous area without experience to assess the possible dangers.