Two Oregon men have died after disappearing in a forest while searching for Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot. Sasquatch, a legendary creature believed by some to inhabit forests in the Pacific Northwest, is central to local folklore.

According to the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, the men were last seen on Tuesday, Dec. 24, in eastern Skamania County. A family member reported them missing and endangered early the next morning, Dec. 25.

Using license plate readers, authorities located the men’s vehicle and launched a large-scale search. Over the next three days, more than 60 volunteers joined the effort, along with canine teams, drones, ground crews, and a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft.

After the difficult search over a three day span through rough land and brutal weather the men were found dead. Both men are from Portland (one was 59 and the other was 37). They were located in a heavily wooded area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest,” police said.

“Both deaths appear to be due to exposure, based on weather conditions and ill-preparedness.”

 

“These phenomenal volunteers also fought through freezing temperatures, snow, high water levels, heavy rain, downfall and heavily wooded terrain,” the social media post continued. “Their exhaustive search efforts resulted in bringing family members home to their loved ones.”

“The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the loved ones lost in this tragic incident,” authorities stated.