Post Falls hiker dies on Utah's highest peak

Kyle Wimpenny, a Post Falls High School graduate and native Kootenai County resident, was found dead after a climbing accident over the weekend.

The 25-year-old was an avid outdoorsman. He told his roommate he was planning to backpack in the High Uintas to summit Kings Peak and left on Sunday, Sept. 13. Summit County Sheriff's Lt. Andrew Wright said Wimpenny had told his roommate to call authorities for help if he didn't return by Wednesday, Sept. 16.

"Apparently, he had left Boise Sunday morning with plans to hike Kings Peak," Wright said. "He told his roommate he would be back Wednesday evening and if he did not return, to call someone. The roommate said that he thought that he was kind of joking about that, but unfortunately, he never returned."

Friends, family, and the community remember Wimpenny for his kindness, love of the outdoors, and genuine nature.

"He was one of a kind, I truly never met anyone like him before," said Hanna Monroe, Wimpenny's friend from Coeur d'Alene. "Kyle was a free spirit; he had so much energy and loved the outdoors, going on hikes, or just being up to do anything. We shared so many memories together. He really changed my life for the better."

Kat Schoutens also met Wimpenny through Hanna and an ultimate Frisbee group in Post Falls. She, like others, has nothing but positive memories of Wimpenny to hold onto.

"You could meet him just for an instance but feel like he has been your friend your entire life," Schoutens said. "He was that friend that always checked in on you, asked about your life, how you were doing. Just a genuinely kind and loving person with a beautiful soul."

In a press release, SCSD said they sent resources to the Kings Peak area early Thursday morning. Other agencies joined them.

SCSD also said Wimpenny's family told the agency Kyle had attempted to hike the peak in June but turned around after finding a mountain lion on the trail. According to family, Wimpenny's goal was to climb the highest peaks in every state, so he returned to Kings Peak.

After four days of multi-agency searching, officials discovered Wimpenny's body at the base of the peak Sunday afternoon. SCSD Sheriff's Office Twitter account said they believed Wimpenny fell 1,000 feet while trying to summit Kings Peak.

Friends of Kyle Wimpenny have discussed planning outdoor activities such as hikes on Tubbs Hill to talk about his effect on their lives and reminisce in his honor.