Joe Hengy 08-09-09
Family wants better trail signs after Mount Marathon death
The Associated Press, Published: August 15th, 2009
SEWARD -- A Minnesota doctor has died of injuries suffered in a fall at Mount Marathon
and the man's brother wants Seward to post more signs on the trail to warn climbers.
KTUU said 49-year-old Joe Hengy suffered multiple injuries Sunday, but it was the
head injury that ultimately claimed his life Wednesday. He cart-wheeled off a cliff
near the bottom of the mountain.
Joe Hengy's brother Matt wants to meet with city officials about putting signs on
the trail to direct those unfamiliar with the mountain to the safest way down.
Seward's Fire Chief David Squires talked with Matt Hengy and said the concerns will
be discussed. Squires said city staff, police and fire officials will be involved
in the discussions.
Squires said just two people have died on the mountain in the last 25 years, although
there have been numerous injuries.
The Hengy family says two is too many.