POST FALLS, Idaho — A graduate of Post Falls High School died in a climbing accident while trying to summit the highest peak in Utah.
Friends confirmed that 25-year-old Kyle Wimpenny graduated from PFHS in 2013 and ran cross country. He later attended Boise State University.
Wimpenny left his home in Boise, Idaho, on Sunday, Sept. 13 with plans to summit King Peaks in Summit County, Utah. KREM's Boise sister station KTVB reports that Wimpenny told his roommate to call for help if he had not returned by Wednesday, Sept. 16.
After nearly four days of searching that began on Sept. 17, a search team found Wimpenny's body at the base of the Kings Peak summit on Sunday afternoon. In a Facebook post, the Summit County Sheriff's Office said it appears Wimpenny fell approximately 1,000 feet while attempting the climb.
"Over four days of searching, every person dedicated their all to searching for and locating Kyle. Although it was not the outcome we hoped for, we are relieved that Kyle will be returned to his family," the sheriff's office wrote in a Facebook post. "Hug your loved ones often."
This was Wimpenny's second attempt at hiking Kings Peak. He attempted the hike for the first time in June but turned around after finding a mountain lion on the trail, KTVB reports.
While Wimpenny's death was tragic, his friends are remembering him for his positivity, kindness and zest for life.
"He's one of those people that believes in you and [is] not just humoring you," said Wimpenny's friend, Chris Moeglein. "You can see the passion and fire in his eyes. He encourages people, he doesn't tear people down, he wants you to do what you love."
Wimpenny was also a fan of actor Jim Carrey and "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," Moeglein said.
Janette Fife, who also attended high school with Wimpenny, said he was a "lively person" whose spirit she admired.
"I am beyond words at this news. I can’t believe he is gone," she wrote in a Facebook post. "We were good friends in high school and had a blast in cross country and ultimate frisbee games. He was always the entertainer and got everyone laughing with his personality. I am saddened by the news and am praying for him and his family to find peace in these trying times."
KTVB's Katija Stjepovic contributed to this report.
