Latest news with #PacificCrestTrail
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brit electrocuted while doing DIY for woman who gave him place to stay on break
Al Brown was due to fly home to meet his newborn grandson hours after the accident which happened at the property in Tepoztlan, a popular tourist destination near Mexico City A British dad died after he was electrocuted doing DIY for a woman who gave him a place to stay on a cycling trip in Mexico. Al Brown, 50, was supposed to fly home hours after the accident, because he was going to meet his newborn grandson forthe first time. The baby had been born while Al was away on a cycling holiday in Mexico, during which a woman gave him a place to stay in Tepoztlan, near Mexico City. But the grandfather of five accidentally touched a live overhead cable as he was sweeping the roof at the property and, despite the best efforts of the woman and paramedics, Al was declared dead at the scene on Monday June 2. Tributes have poured in for the "kind-hearted" dad, a keen cyclist and fisherman from Norwich. A GoFundMe page has now been created to raise money to bring Al's body back to the UK. Tony Bidwell, a family friend, said: "Al was a kind-hearted man who would do anything for anyone and was always smiling. He had a fantastic sense of humour." Tony, who started the GoFundMe page last week, told Mail Online: "He had a passion for hiking and cycling long distances. He loved his children Chloe and Aaron, and his stepdaughters Vicky and Natalie - as well as his five grandsons. "Sadly, Al passed away before meeting his youngest grandson, who was born while Al was away travelling. The main reason for Al wanting to come home was to meet his baby grandson for the first time as well as seeing all of his family, who he was missing." More than £3,000 has been donated to the fundraiser so far, though Tony is hoping to exceed the £5,000 mark. The friend, of Norwich, said Al completed the 2,650-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Canada to Mexico, on his bike before the accident. The grandfather then had to have a hernia operation, which he funded himself, in Mexico. It was while Al was recovering when he went to stay on a "work away" placement and carried out light household maintenance jobs on the property. These included painting in return for the board. But the freak accident happened on June 2, which has rocked the man's family. His wife and two of his daughters have flown out to Mexico amid the difficult repatriation conundrum. "Any money raised from the GoFundMe will go towards the costs to bring Al home to rest and to give his family and friends some peace. As you can imagine this is very expensive and complicated," Tony added.
Geek Girl Authority
20-06-2025
- Health
- Geek Girl Authority
Hiking the PCT? Remember These 7 Best Women's Health Practices
What's more exciting than the vastness of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) stretching before you — a wild blend of untouched nature and breathtaking views? For those embarking on this iconic hiking trail from Mexico to Canada, the journey promises self-discovery, perseverance, and a deep connection to the natural world. However, amid the excitement of planning your PCT trip, it's crucial to prioritize your health, especially as a female hiker. This guide explores essential women's health practices to remember as you tackle the PCT, from women's vitamins to recovery tips. 1. Prepare for the Long Haul Before you set foot on the PCT, proper physical preparation is of the utmost importance. Hiking the PCT requires stamina, strength, and endurance, so make sure your body is up to the task. In addition to regular exercise and conditioning, consider incorporating women's vitamins into your routine. These specialized supplements cater to women's unique nutritional needs, providing essential vitamins and minerals that can support their energy levels and overall health. Ensuring your body is adequately nourished and prepared before hitting the trail can significantly impact your hiking experience. 2. Hydration One of the golden rules of hiking, especially on a demanding trail like the PCT, is to stay hydrated. Proper hydration is vital for maintaining your energy, regulating your body temperature, and supporting your overall vitality. As a female hiker, it's important to remember that your water needs are unique. Women tend to have lower total body water content than men, making hydration even more critical. To ensure you stay hydrated on the trail, carry an adequate water supply, use a hydration pack, and consider drinking electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish lost minerals. 3. Pick the Right Gear Choosing the right gear is key to a successful and comfortable hiking experience, especially for female hikers. When it comes to clothing and footwear, opt for items designed to fit the female body. Investing in gear that fits well and is suited to your body type can help prevent discomfort, blisters, and chafing during long days. 4. Fuel Your Adventure Proper nutrition is your fuel for the long journey ahead. Maintaining a balanced diet is required to sustain your energy and support your body's demands during rigorous physical activity. As a female hiker, make sure you're consuming enough calories to meet your energy needs. Pack lightweight, nutrient-dense snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars to keep you fueled. Additionally, consider incorporating a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients to support performance and recovery. 5. Support Your Mental Health While physical preparation is crucial for hiking the PCT, mental wellness is just as important. Long-distance hikes can be mentally taxing, with challenges ranging from physical to emotional fatigue. As a female hiker, prioritize your mental well-being by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques to stay grounded and centered. 6. Prepare for Feminine Hygiene Needs Maintaining good hygiene on the trail is a practical consideration for all hikers, but women have additional considerations. Proper female-specific hygiene practices are necessary to prevent infections and maintain comfort during extended periods of physical activity. When hiking the PCT, prioritize your personal hygiene by carrying items like biodegradable wipes, menstrual products, and a disposal system for feminine hygiene waste. Practice good hygiene habits to minimize the risk of irritation or infections, and address any discomfort promptly. 7. Rest and Recover Rest and recovery are equally important for maintaining your physical and mental health on the PCT. Adequate sleep supports muscle repair , immune function, and cognitive performance, so create a comfortable sleep setup at your campsite and establish a bedtime routine to optimize your slumber. Additionally, incorporate stretching, foam rolling, and relaxation techniques into your daily routine to support muscle recovery and reduce the risk of injuries. Taking rest days when needed and allowing your body time to recharge can help you stay strong and resilient throughout your journey. Empowering Women Through the PCT Embarking on the Pacific Crest Trail is a breathtaking adventure that promises unforgettable experiences and personal growth. As a female hiker, it's essential to prioritize your health and well-being by embracing these best practices for women's wellness on the trail. By listening to your body, practicing self-care, and staying mindful of your needs, you can make the most of your hiking experience while safeguarding your physical and mental well-being. Remember, the journey is as much about taking care of yourself as it is about exploring the wilderness. Lace up your boots, pack your gear, and hit the trail with resilience and joy. On Location: The Lighterman in Apple TV+'s SLOW HORSES RELATED: Relive The Good Doctor 's poignant series finale with a ride on the C.W. Parker #119 Carousel in our previous On Location article
Daily Mail
08-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Terrifying Google search 'killer dad' Travis Decker made before allegedly murdering his three daughters
The dad accused of murdering his three daughters in Washington State searched how to move to Canada just days before they were found dead. Authorities started searching for Travis Decker's children, Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia, five, after they failed to return home from a scheduled visit with him on May 30. On Monday, the sisters' lifeless bodies were discovered at a campsite in Leavenworth - about 20 miles from their home. Their wrists had been bound with zip ties and each of them had been suffocated with a plastic bag. After finding the girls, investigators 'obtained and served multiple search warrants for records contained in Decker's Google accounts,' leading them to discover that the 32-year-old appeared to be planning how to relocate to Canada, according to an affidavit reviewed by the Independent. In the affidavit, Deputy U.S. Marshal Keegan Stanley wrote that Decker made several searches on May 26, including: 'how does a person move to Canada,' 'how to relocate to Canada' and 'jobs Canada.' The father, who remains on the run, then visited the website 'Find a job - Stanley detailed. His daughters' remains were also found 'relatively close to the Canadian border and approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, a well-established trail that leads directly to Canada,' per the affidavit. Decker, who is wanted on three counts each of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, also 'has training in navigation, woodland/mountainous terrain, long distance movements, survival and numerous other disciplines needed to be able to flee,' the affidavit continued. 'Prior to the above alleged crimes, Decker frequently recreated in outdoor, woodland and mountainous areas throughout the Eastern District of Washington and surrounding states,' it read. 'Amongst other outdoorsman activities, Decker frequently engaged in hiking, camping, survival skill practice, hunting and even lived off the grid in the backwoods for approximately 2.5 months on one occasion.' Decker is also facing an additional federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The charges against him 'are all very serious violent felonies which all carry significant prison sentences if convicted,' the affidavit stated. The legal statement also noted that 'those facing significant prison sentences have a propensity' to run. There is currently a 'very public national campaign to locate Decker' and 'it is publicly known there is a warrant for his arrest,' the affidavit stated. He is considered very dangerous given his extensive military training and propensity for violence. Whitney Decker, the fugitive father's ex-wife and mom of their late daughters, never imagined he might have been on the verge of carrying out a heinous act after he arrived to pick up their girls for a scheduled three-hour visitation last week. To Whitney, it was a routine handoff. But those around Decker expressed to the grieving mother after her daughters did not return home that they had seen the warning signs. According to Whitney's attorney Arianna Cozart, a supervisor at his construction job told Whitney shortly after Travis vanished that he had seemed 'on the brink of something extreme' earlier that day while on the job. Even her ever-reliable neighbor, who Whitney trusted with the messy details of their divorce, recalled that Travis appeared 'very sad' during a brief exchange outside the house just before he abducted them. Yet, as Whitney's lawyer told Daily Mail in an exclusive interview on Thursday, there was nothing in Travis's behavior at the time of the 5pm pickup that raised any red flags. 'She had no reason to suspect anything was wrong,' the attorney said. Whitney did know, however, that he was having a hard week, having crashed his uninsured vehicle days earlier. Travis, who was living in his truck at the time, spent about 15 minutes talking with her, mostly about what to do with his pet dog for the hot summer, wondering if she'd take care of the animal, as she had in the past, or whether he should just give it to the Humane Society. It was only after Travis failed to return with the kids that night did she learn that he'd had some sort of mental health breakdown at his construction job earlier in the day. 'The supervisor told her he was acting like he was on the brink of something extreme on Friday,' Whitney's lawyer said, but said Whitney still doesn't know the specifics Decker did to raise such alarm in his higher-ups. After her daughters were found, Whitney said through her lawyer that she initially begged police to issue an Amber Alert for them but was told the case did not meet the requirements. The grieving mother alleged it 'was a tragedy that could've been completely' avoided had officials intervened. She believes 'something broke inside' of her ex-husband and that he 'would not have done what he did if he was himself', Cozart revealed in a heartbreaking statement early Thursday morning. 'He clearly had some sort of break and everything that he had been living with, everything that had been bottled up inside of him for so long as far as trauma, just won out,' Cozart told the Seattle Times. Following their tragic deaths, a GoFundMe campaign, created by Whitney's friend, has gone on to raise more than $1 million. 'Their light touched so many, and the pain of this loss is immeasurable,' Amy Edwards wrote. Authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to Decker's arrest. Police believe he is hiding out in the woods along the Canadian border. Officers have urged locals, specifically those in remote areas of Okanogan County, to lock all doors and windows while he remains at large.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Father Accused of Murdering His 3 Daughters Allegedly Made These Chilling Online Searches Days Before They Went Missing
Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three young daughters, searched online about how to move to Canada on May 26, days before the girls went missing, according to authorities Decker searched the keywords "how to relocate to Canada" and "how does a person move to Canada" His three young daughters went missing on May 30 after a "planned visitation" and were found dead on June 2Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three young daughters, reportedly conducted online searches about how to move to Canada days before the killings. According to a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit obtained by Fox 13 Seattle, the Independent and NBC Right Now, Decker searched "how to relocate to Canada" and "how does a person move to Canada" on May 26. He also allegedly searched a Canadian job site. Authorities, who have not yet located Decker, said they were worried that he was attempting to flee the U.S. into Canada. "The location of the victims' remains is relatively close to the Canadian border and approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, a well-established trail that leads directly to Canada," the affidavit states, per Fox 13 Seattle. The U.S. Marshals Service did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Saturday, June 7. The manhunt continues for Decker, who has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping in the deaths of his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5. Police have described him as posing "a significant risk, if approached" due to his prior military experience. "We are searching anywhere and everywhere for him," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The three girls were last seen on May 30 during a "planned visitation" with their father. The following day, the Wenatchee Police Department issued an endangered missing persons alert, and said that the young girls were "believed to be missing and unable to return home on their own." Police said the girls headed out with their dad at around 5 p.m. local time on May 30 and hadn't been heard from or seen since then. On June 2, authorities canceled the alert and revealed that they had found the bodies of the three children. Decker's pickup truck was found near the Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Wash., where the three sisters' bodies were discovered, Fox 13 Seattle reported. The cause of death for all three sisters is likely to be "asphyxiation," according to a preliminary report seen by Fox 13 Seattle. According to the outlet, investigators found two bloody handprints on Decker's truck, while inside there were items including a blanket, food and car seats for the girls. Police also found a wallet on the center console of the vehicle. Court documents obtained by the outlet also state that Decker's cell phone activity showed "he drove to and left the same campground a day prior to the kidnapping.' According to ABC News, police are offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to Decker's arrest. Read the original article on People
Washington Post
07-06-2025
- Washington Post
Campgrounds closed along Pacific Crest Trail in search for man wanted in daughters' deaths
SEATTLE — Authorities have closed a wide swath of popular campgrounds and backpacking areas along the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington as they search for a former Army soldier wanted in the deaths of his three young daughters . Dozens of additional law enforcement officers from an array of agencies joined the investigation and search Friday for Travis Caleb Decker, 32, four days after the girls — 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker and 5-year-old Olivia Decker — were found dead at a remote campsite outside Leavenworth.
