Peninsula Daily News news services

ABERDEEN, Grays Harbor County — A 74-year-old elk hunter missing in the woods near Humptulips died shortly after rescuers found him.

Grays Harbor Undersheriff Rick Scott told KOMO-TV that Alois Welle of Lakewood was breathing but unconscious and suffering from extreme hypothermia when he was located on Tuesday.

Welle got separated from his hunting party early Monday morning. He had hunted in the area for 50 years and was described as “wood-smart,” the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office said.

Welle was in two-way radio contact with his hunting partners Monday but was unable to tell where he was as night fell.

He fired all his ammo in an attempt to let others know his location, but he could not be found.

Rescuers told KIRO-TV they had to stop several times to perform CPR on Welle, who died before he could be transported to a hospital.

Welle’s family said he was dressed for the elements — the rough terrain was cold and wet — but had health issues and didn’t have any food and water.