Deceased Individual from Mount Whitney Identified

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 30, 2026

Deceased Individual from Mount Whitney Identified

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Inyo County Coroner’s Office, has positively identified the individual recovered from Mount Whitney as 49-year-old Winston Chu of Santa Clara, CA. Next of kin have been notified.

The Inyo County Coroner’s Office has determined the cause of death to be multiple traumatic injuries due to a fall.

As previously reported, on October 19, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office received a report from motel staff in Lone Pine after Chu failed to check out and left personal belongings behind. Staff reported he had planned to hike in the Mount Whitney area. His vehicle was later located at Whitney Portal, and a CHP helicopter located him along the Mountaineer’s Route on October 20.

Recovery efforts were delayed due to a storm system that brought snow and hazardous weather conditions. On October 25, a CHP helicopter and Inyo County Search and Rescue team successfully recovered Chu from approximately 13,600 feet.

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere condolences to Winston Chu’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.