Climber’s Burned Body Found on Volcano
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SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Rescue workers found the burned body of a missing Pennsylvania climber near the peak of an active volcano that erupted, authorities said Sunday.
U.S. Vice Consul Margaret Willingham identified the climber as Steven Simmler, 35, of West Chester, Pa. She said he was found late Saturday after a four-day search.
A companion, Joshua Vendig, 22, of Los Angeles, said an eruption began while he and Simmler were climbing the 4,900-foot Arenal volcano.
Vendig said he and Simmler ran downhill in a shower of hot rock and ash.
“Suddenly, everything became dark. And when it calmed down Steve was lost,” Vendig told The Associated Press.
The volcano, 120 miles northeast of San Jose, has been active since 1968. Officials at Costa Rica’s Volcanic Observatory said the eruption was normal activity for the volcano.
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