What does Sasquatch mean? Name origin explored as 2 Oregon men die after looking for mythical creature

Sasquatch kidnapping a woman (Image via Getty)
Sasquatch kidnapping a woman (Image via Getty)

Sasquatch, also commonly known as Bigfoot, is a large, human-like, hairy figure who is believed to be living in the northwestern parts of the US and Canada. While the existence of such a creature has always been debatable, many have reported sightings of the Bigfoot over decades.

For the unversed, Sasquatch is an Anglicization of the word Sasq'ets, which means wild or hairy man. The term was coined by a Canadian agent named J.W. Burns in the 1930s when he was assigned to the Chehalis Band. While it has still not been proven, the Sts'alies people believe that a Sasq'ets can move between the physical and spiritual realms.

So far, more than 700 reports of Sasquatch sightings have been submitted to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization.


How did two men die while searching for Sasquatch?

Skamania County Sheriff's Office recently reported the death of two men who lost their lives while searching for Sasquatch in the eastern part of the county. The Sheriff's Office reported that the two men were due to return home on Christmas Eve, but when they did not, a family member reported them missing and endangered.

The search operation for the two men began, and a recently installed flock camera located a vehicle associated with them off Oklahoma Road in Washington.

The search operation went on for three days and involved over 60 volunteers searching for the two men. They searched the two with the help of a drone and canine. However, after three days, the search came to a conclusion that two 59-year-old and 37-year-old men were located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The two had died in the area as they were reportedly not prepared for the harsh weather conditions. While they have not been identified, the Sheriff's Office confirmed they were from Portland, Oregon.

"Both deaths appear to be due to exposure, based on weather conditions and ill-preparedness," the report confirmed.

The Sheriff's Office also shared a few pictures from the search operations and thanked all volunteers for their efforts. The report mentioned how these volunteers chose to spend Christmas away from their families while searching for the two men who had been out to look for a Sasquatch.

"These phenomenal volunteers also fought through freezing temperatures, snow, high water levels, heavy rain, downfall, and heavily wooded terrain."

The Sheriff's Office further extended their heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their beloved members in the tragic incident.

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Edited by Sangeeta Mathew