Former Chehalis Resident Hospitalized After Climbing Rescue Mishap

Sept. 13--A former Chehalis resident and W.F. West High School graduate was critically injured in a very remote part of southern Alaska and is currently in the intensive care unit of an Alaska hospital.

Kenton Hotsko, 29, was hiking on Copper Mountain in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska with two friends Aug. 31 when one of them fell from a ledge and down a rocky slope. Hotsko went down to where his friend landed, stabilized the man's injuries and tended him until a rescue helicopter arrived.

As the helicopter was taking off, it kicked up a rock that hit Hotsko on the head.

He then also had to be rescued and flown to Providence Alaska Medical Center.

According to his father, Ken Hotsko, Kenton suffered from considerable swelling in his brain. Although he is now responding to commands, the extent of the damage is unclear.

Friends and family describe Hotsko as an adventurous and outdoorsy man who meets his passion for the wilderness as an employee for the National Park Service.

Hotsko had worked for the last five years on trail crews in Grand Canyon National Park before taking a seasonal position with Lake Clark.

"He's one of the most big-hearted guys I've ever known," said Cody Charlton. "The saddest part for me is he was doing everything right, helping his friend when he got hurt."

His father said Hotsko does have insurance, but it's not going to cover the kind of therapy the doctors are recommending. Several fundraisers are being planned to help cover his medical expenses.

Longtime friends Ian and Kari Whittaker, of Rochester, are planning a spaghetti feed and a silent auction featuring up to 200 donated items on from 4 -- 7 p.m.Sept. 27 at W.F. West. Tickets are $5.

Immediately after the feed, there will be a fundraiser at the Market Street Pub in Chehalis. Local musician Chris Jones will be performing. There will also be drink specials, raffle prizes, and a prize wheel costing $5, or three spins for $10.

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