Battle Ground woman dies after fall

The body of Brenda Barker, 45, of Battle Ground was recovered Sunday morning on Mount Norway after she apparently fell and died early Saturday morning.

Sgt. Chuck Christensen of the Clark County Sheriff's Office said Barker was at a Friday night gathering and fell at least 150 feet down a steep drop-off.
The Washougal River is far below the home and the slope is covered with rocks and timber.

She was at the Michael and Twyla Wilcox residence, 38730 S.E. 14th St., Washougal, Christensen said.

East County Fire & Rescue attempted to recover the body Saturday night and decided the terrain was too dangerous to negotiate in the dark.

East County recovered the body about 11 a.m. Sunday morning. Rescuers used two rope systems in the recovery.

The hosts thought Barker had left the party with her aunt about midnight, Christensen said. He said Barker is a good friend of the Wilcoxes' daughter, Kari Murphy.

But Saturday, the hosts discovered her purse, shoes and jacket in the garage.

Christensen said the home has a big backyard and scenic views of the Washougal River.

It was a lovely night and it is thought she walked out in the yard.

"She must have lost her balance," Christensen said.

Christensen said it was believed that Barker had been drinking at the party but there was no indication that she was intoxicated. He said Barker lived with an aunt and uncle in the Battle Ground area but also had a house in Belize.

An effort to reach the Wilcox family was unsuccessful.

"We're looking at everything as an accident," Christensen said.