The man who died Wednesday after he broke through a snow crust in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier has been identified as Dave Watson, a Green River Community College instructor and Kent parishioner.

According to reports, Watson and at least one of his children, Stephen, were in the Edith Creek area of the Paradise meadows on the Fourth of July, when he fell through the snow, Mount Rainier National Park spokeswoman Patti Wold said.

Watson reportedly went into a snow melt area. Watson broke through a snow crust, plunged into Edith Creek and was swept about 30 feet down while remaining under the snow.

A family friend heard Stephen's call for help and contacted rescue.

Rescuers found Watson with his face submerged in the creek. They administered CPR. Watson was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he was pronounced dead.

Watson, who was in his 50s, was a father to four children. He had traveled the world teaching. He had been an instructor at Green River for five years, teaching intensive English as a second language for international students.

A public memorial service is 7 p.m. Monday at Kent Covenant Church, 12010 SE 240th, Kent.

GRCC staff, faculty and students are invited to sign provided condolence cards on campus in front of the international programs front office area from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. The card will be taken to the memorial service for the family.

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