October 30, 1996
The following statement responds to questions on the current whereabouts of Philip J. Fialkow, M.D
The following statement responds to questions on the current whereabouts of Philip J. Fialkow, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and dean of the UW School of Medicine, and his wife, Helen; attribution may be made to L.G. Blancha rd, spokesperson for the UW School of Medicine; additional updates will be provided as information becomes available:
“Dr. and Mrs. Fialkow have been on a vacation cross-country hiking expedition in Nepal in recent weeks and were expected to return to the Seattle area tomorrow evening (Thursday, Oct. 31).
“On the basis of incomplete and sketchy information, we understand that an eight-person party–consisting of the Fialkows and their expert guides, including a number of Sherpas presumed to be highly familiar with the region–was caught in a surprise snow storm about a week ago in a remote area normally accessible only on foot.
“Three of the guides left to try and obtain help in rescuing members of the party that remained behind. The three reached safety. Due to continued bad weather, however, contact has yet to be reestablished with the Fialkows and the guides who remained with them.
“The family and the University have been assured by the State Department that every measure is being taken, in full cooperation with Nepalese authorities, to locate the Fialkows and their guides and to bring them to safety. University of Washington Presid ent Richard L. McCormick is fully aware of the situation and, like Dr. and Mrs. Fialkow’s family, friends and other colleagues, is anxiously awaiting word of their safety.”
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