An autopsy of WH chef Walter Scheib determined the 61-year-old “accidentally drowned” while solo hiking in a remote canyon, and that a flashflood was most likely the culprit.
Scheib disappeared in New Mexico’s mountainous Taos Ski Valley region on June 13th, and, following a number of search delays caused by heavy thunderstorms, was found dead this week near a trail.
Searchers who recovered his body said a sniffer dog located it in a riverbed that was probably dry at the time the inexperienced climber was exploring there, but which turned into his deathtrap when it suddenly flooded.
Summertime in New Mexico brings with it monsoons which increase the risk of deadly flashflood events. Therefore officials are constantly warning residents and vacationers to be mindful that during torrential weather their “margin of safety may be counted in seconds.”
Like others before him, Walter Scheib apparently did not hear or heed that message -- no foul play is suspected in his drowning.
