TANEUM, WA —  A 41-year-old Everett man was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center after crashing his dirt bike into a tree in the remote Taneum area Thursday afternoon, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. on May 8, when Greg Ward, riding with a friend, lost control and struck a tree, sustaining serious injuries. Unable to reach emergency services from the scene, Ward’s riding companion traveled to an area with cell coverage to call 911.

A search-and-rescue-trained deputy quickly responded and coordinated with Kittitas County Search and Rescue (KCSR) to reach the injured rider. Volunteers from KCSR were able to drive within approximately one mile of the crash site, then hiked in carrying a wheeled litter and medical gear.

Emergency Medical Technicians among the volunteers provided initial treatment and secured Ward for evacuation. He was transported to a waiting Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue (KVFR) medic unit and then transferred to an Airlift Northwest helicopter for transport to Harborview.

The sheriff’s office extended thanks to KVFR, Airlift Northwest, and the volunteers who responded to the emergency, noting their coordinated efforts play a vital role in ensuring public safety in hard-to-reach areas.