Sybil Claborn from Oklahoma City, Okla., died after becoming stranded with her husband in the “core zone of the Enchantments in Leavenworth, Wash.

NEED TO KNOW

• Sybil Claborn and her husband were caught in a severe snowstorm while hiking in Washington’s Enchantments region on Sept. 13
• Rescuers faced extreme weather conditions, delaying efforts to reach the couple, who were unprepared for overnight survival, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said in a Wednesday, Sept. 16 press release
• Claborn, 45, was pronounced dead when authorities reached the couple in the early morning hours of Sept. 14

A “devoted wife and incredible mother” has died after becoming stranded in a snowstorm while hiking with her husband.

Sybil Claborn, 45, of Oklahoma City, Okla., was hiking with her husband in the picturesque Enchantments region in Leavenworth, Wash., when they became caught in the “core zone” of an intense snowstorm on Sunday, Sept. 13, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said in a press release on Thursday, Sept. 16.

Authorities were notified at around 5:26 p.m. local time on Sunday via a text-to-911 report from Claborn’s husband, who said his wife was “unable to move, and he was unable to carry her out,” per the CCSO.

“The area the couple was at is approximately 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, with either trailhead approximately 8 to 10 miles away,” the CCSO wrote. “Storms had persisted throughout the day, producing significant snowfall in the area.”

Claborn’s husband told authorities that their clothing was “soaked” and that they “did not have overnight gear.”

Shortly after the initial report, he told police that Claborn was “under an emergency blanket” and that they were in “approximately 1 to 2 feet of snow,” per the press release. Police then orchestrated a rescue mission via helicopter due to the conditions.

When the helicopter operation was no longer feasible, Chelan County Mountain Rescue (CCMR) began its trek to find the couple on the ground, according to the CCSO. By 6:51 p.m., the CCSO requested a “hoist-capable helicopter if weather conditions improved.”

An Army helicopter was dispatched from Yakima, Wash., at approximately 8:00 p.m., but failed to reach the couple due to the hazardous conditions.

“Throughout the evening, the male continued providing updates to RiverCom regarding his wife’s deteriorating condition and the possibility that it was becoming fatal,” the press release read. “Sheriff’s Office personnel continued requesting the Army attempt an aerial response in the event his assessment was inaccurate or his own condition became a medical emergency.”

After a second attempt nearly three hours later, the Army helicopter was still unable to reach them.

CCMR was finally able to reach the couple at 3:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14.

“Rescuers reported the female was deceased and the male was suffering from severe hypothermia,” the CCSO said. “They were able to warm him inside a tent.”

Claborn’s husband and two CCMR rescuers were brought to the Leavenworth fish hatchery by an Army helicopter at approximately 8:39 a.m. He was then brought to Cascade Medical Center for medical treatment.

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By 9:47 a.m., the CCSO launched a recovery operation for Claborn. She was identified by the Chelan County Coroner’s Office, who are still investigating her manner of death.

PEOPLE has reached out to the CCSO.

A GoFundMe started by friends of the family describes Sybil as a “devoted wife, an incredible mother, and the kind of friend who made everyone around her feel loved.” The couple was the parents of three young daughters.

According to the fundraiser, Claborn’s husband, Justin, returned to Oklahoma City on Thursday, Sept. 17, and he “will be on bed rest for several months, all while navigating the unimaginable loss of his wife and helping care for their three daughters.”

“If you know Sybil, you know how deeply she loved her family,” the description added. “Her girls were her everything. She showed up for them, advocated for them, celebrated them, and loved each of them exactly as they needed to be loved.”

Funds raised will support the family as Claborn’s husband recovers, and through Claborn’s memorial services. As of publication, the fundraiser has raised over $82,000 of its $130,000 goal.

The Washington Trail Association (WTA) categorizes the Enchantments as a difficult hike. “This challenging experience should not be underestimated; please make sure you have the right gear and preparation,” the agency’s website reads.

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