A Korea national from West Hartford was among three climbers who were killed in an avalanche in Washington state, officials say.

Seong Cho, 54, was identified as one of three climbers killed at Colchuck Peak on Sunday, Feb. 19.

Two other climbers, Jeannie Lee, 60, from Bayside, New York and Yun Park, a 66, from Palisades Park, New Jersey, were also killed.

There were six climbers in the group, and those who escaped were able to hike back to base camp to get help.

Officials say the lead climber in the group triggered an avalanche while attempting to climb the Northeast Couloir of Colchuck Peak.

Four of the climbers were swept down the couloir approximately 500 feet.
The three climbers killed in the incident died as a result of trauma sustained in the fall.

The fourth climber, a 56-year-old New York man, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was able to hike back to base camp with the remaining two -- a 50-year-old man from New York and a 36-year-old man from New Jersey.
When they arrived at camp, they sent for help.

Sheriff Mike Morrison reported as of Wednesday, the bodies of the climbers killed in the avalanche remain at the scene due to hazardous conditions.