Benjamin Curtis Andersen, a 37-year-old ultramarathoner training for the Bigfoot 200, disappeared on May 18, 2026, during a training run near Mount St. Helens in Washington State. His body was discovered on July 15, 2026, in a remote ravine—located using his final GPS coordinates from the day he vanished.
The two-month search involved the Skamania County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Forest Service, FBI, and local search-and-rescue teams. Andersen's last GPS data point at National Forest Road 25 (46.19°N, 122.19°W) proved critical, guiding rescuers to his location and vehicle at the ravine base.
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Table of Contents
- The Disappearance and Search Response
- How GPS Coordinates Located Him
- Investigation and Findings
- Safety Lessons for Remote Trail Runners
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Disappearance and Search Response
Andersen was preparing for the Bigfoot 200, a 200-mile ultramarathon through Washington wilderness, when he went missing during a training run on May 18, 2026. A coordinated search involving county, state, and federal agencies began after he failed to return. The initial search phase lasted from May through early July before public assistance was requested on June 26, 2026.
The remote terrain around Mount St. Helens created delays in locating Andersen. Ultramarathoners training for 200-mile events often run in areas with minimal cell service, infrequent roads, and dense forest—conditions that complicate rescue operations even when agencies know a general search radius.
How GPS Coordinates Located Him
Andersen's GPS device recorded his last known location at a specific point on National Forest Road 25. This precise GPS data directly led search teams to a ravine where they found his 2025 Chevrolet Equinox at the bottom.
The vehicle's position at the ravine base, combined with its proximity to the GPS coordinates, suggested a vehicle accident occurred shortly after May 18. For runners training in remote areas, GPS-enabled devices—smartwatches, dedicated running watches with GPS, or trail apps—create a digital record that authorities can access. Unlike cell phone signals that can be unreliable in wilderness areas, GPS tracks the user's position continuously and can pinpoint a location to within a few meters, enabling rescue teams to narrow their search to a specific road or feature rather than broad forest sections.
Investigation and Findings
The Skamania County Sheriff confirmed that no criminal activity or third-party involvement was suspected in Andersen's death. The investigation concluded based on evidence at the scene and the vehicle's condition in the ravine.
An autopsy was performed, but the specific cause of death was not released in public reports. However, based on the vehicle's recovery position and road location, investigators suspected a vehicle accident occurred. This account remains the official finding—the exact mechanics of how Andersen's vehicle left the road have not been detailed in public statements.
Safety Lessons for Remote Trail Runners
Andersen's case underscores both the hazards of wilderness training and the protective measures available to ultramarathoners. Remote trail running—especially over multi-hour distances—introduces risks that urban runners rarely face: vehicle breakdowns in isolated terrain, rapid elevation changes near ravines, and rescue response times measured in hours rather than minutes.
Runners training in remote areas should: Andersen's two-month disappearance, despite having GPS data available, reflects the genuine difficulty of Mount St. Helens' remote forest. Even precise coordinates don't eliminate the time required to mobilize rescue teams, navigate rough terrain, and conduct a thorough search.
- Enable GPS tracking before leaving populated zones; share your GPS device or app data with a trusted contact
- Provide someone with your specific planned route (mile markers, road names) and expected return time; ask them to initiate a welfare check if you miss check-in
- Carry extra water, calories, first aid, a headlamp, and a basic communication device (even if it's just a whistle for attracting attention)
- Know your vehicle's limitations; avoid driving narrow forest roads at dawn or dusk if visibility is poor
- Use established, well-marked trails when possible; avoid bushwhacking in terrain with ravines or unstable terrain
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bigfoot 200?
The Bigfoot 200 is a 200-mile ultramarathon held through Washington State wilderness. Ultramarathons are foot races exceeding the standard 26.2-mile marathon distance; completing 200 miles typically takes 24–48 hours of continuous running and hiking, requiring extensive training in remote, rugged terrain.
Why did the search take two months?
Mount St. Helens' remote forest, poor cell service, and difficult terrain slowed the initial search. GPS data eventually pinpointed a ravine, but locating a vehicle in a remote ravine and conducting a recovery operation required coordination between multiple agencies and on-site investigation.
Should runners avoid ultramarathon training in remote areas?
No, but runners should take precautions. Enable GPS tracking, share your route with someone, carry communication devices and first aid, and ensure someone knows your expected return time. These steps significantly improve rescue outcomes if an accident or injury occurs.
