Shigeo Ogawa, 49, was last seen on June 16, 1988, on the northwest face of Mount Blackburn in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. He was part of a four-person Japanese expedition; an avalanche reportedly triggered when a three-foot-thick slab of ice broke loose and swept Ogawa and teammate Toshiaki Mashiko an estimated 3,200 to 4,000 feet down steep terrain of rock bands, ice falls, and hanging glaciers. Two other climbers, including leader Yoichi Tadokoro, survived and attempted to descend to find their companions but were forced back by hazards and could not contact help by CB radio. A body was spotted from the air the next day at about 7,300 feet at the terminus of the slide path, but dangerous slopes and poor weather prevented recovery.

Does anyone have information about Ogawa, the expedition, or that 1988 climb that could add clarity to what happened? Please share any details or memories.