CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. — A 63-year-old man died Sunday after falling while descending Mount Hood on the popular Old Chute route, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s office.
Witnesses called 911 just after 9 a.m. Sunday after the climber fell about 500 feet, deputies said. A member of Portland Mountain Rescue and a member of the Crag Rats search and rescue team were on Mount Hood when they learned of the incident and immediately began to make their way to the scene of the accident.
Hampered by the difficult terrain and hazards like hydrogen sulfide and other toxic gases which were venting from openings along the route, searchers reached the scene of the accident around 10:30 a.m. Officials said crews saw the fallen climber was not moving. Using a rope system, rescuers were able to get to the man. Authorities said they determined he was deceased.
The man, who was not identified, was descending the mountain with his adult son when he fell, according to deputies. His body was recovered around 4:20 p.m., authorities said.
Officials with Portland Mountain Rescue urged people to be aware of warm weather condition hazards which can cause “very unstable conditions on this area of Mt. Hood, including falling ice.”
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