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Metropolis Reality Forums Ť Lost Hikers ť

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   Lost Hikers

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Topic: Lost Hikers (Read 421 times)

yesteach
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Lost Hikers
« on: Dec 17^th, 2006, 5:57pm »

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We've had two local hikers missing for the past week on Mt. Hood... just learned that they've found one of them dead in a snow cave... no word on the other one, or the guide that was with them... Sad

------------- Here's the story-------------
COOPER SPUR, Oregon (AP) -- Rescue teams equipped with ice axes, ropes and other high-altitude gear came up empty again Tuesday in their efforts to find three climbers on Oregon's highest mountain.

After battling high winds and blowing snow, search teams broke for the day without success.

An Oregon National Guard helicopter was able to survey the lower half of the mountain, but bad weather kept the crew from getting much higher than the 6,000-foot level on the 11,239-foot peak. Crews began coming off the mountain in the afternoon to conclude their search by dark. (Watch rescuers voice their hopes Video)

Rescue teams planned to debrief and map out a strategy for Wednesday, said Deputy Gary Tiffany, spokesman for the Hood River sheriff's office, which has been coordinating the search.

More snow and high winds were expected Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

"Right now, they're dealing with 50- to 60-mph winds in the area they're searching, and blowing snow. It really cuts down their visibility," Joseph Wampler, sheriff for Hood River County, said earlier Tuesday.

Rescue teams have been combing the upper elevations since Monday in search of the three experienced climbers. (Watch rescue teams head up the mountain Video)

Winds weren't as gusty on Tuesday and snowfall wasn't as heavy, but the weather conditions were bad enough to once again frustrate efforts to locate the climbers.

The last anyone heard from the climbers was on Sunday, when one, 48-year-old Kelly James of Dallas, Texas, used his cell phone from a snow cave to say the group was in trouble. He said his two companions -- Brian Hall, 37, also of Dallas, and Jerry "Nikko" Cooke, 36, of New York City -- had gone for help.

Officials have not been able to reach James on his cell phone since then, Wampler said, but search officials have been able to narrow the approximate location through cell phone signals. Searchers believe James' snow cave is near the summit, on the northeast side, but it is unclear where the other two climbers might be.

"A snow cave can provide excellent shelter from wind and precipitation," said Steve Rollins, a search leader with Portland Mountain Rescue. "If you're well prepared in a snow cave, you can last a really long time."

Two more storms are expected this week, with one beginning early Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

Families of the missing climbers have flown to nearby Hood River to await word on their loved ones. They include Frank James of Orlando, Florida, Kelly James' older brother.

Frank James said at a news conference that it wasn't clear from the four-minute call his brother placed to family members on Sunday whether he was injured. His brother did say he was feeling the effects of the cold and was worried about the weather.

"Today's the day for courage and for prayers. Courage can help us see through this snowstorm, and our prayers can literally move mountains," he said.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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yesteach
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Re: Lost Hikers
« Reply #1 on: Dec 17^th, 2006, 10:29pm »

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Last I heard, the families still don't know which hiker was found.... the body is still being brought down from the mountain for identification, they just know that one of them has been found dead... this is such a tragedy, and especially at this time of year.

And on a similar note (loss of loved ones), a local police officer was hit and killed tonight while trying to help a lady with car trouble... he leaves behind a wife and small children... Loss at anytime is hard, but I think during the holidays is more tragic, simply because every year it's like a reminder of the loss rather having a time to celebrate with family and friends.. Sad

keeping all these folks in prayer...

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Colleen
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Re: Lost Hikers
« Reply #2 on: Dec 19^th, 2006, 1:52am »

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It is such sad news espically at this time of year. My thoughts go out to the hikers family that was found, and to the ones that remain hopefull of them finding the other two alive, also to the police officers family. Such said news.

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lakelady
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Re: Lost Hikers
« Reply #3 on: Dec 19^th, 2006, 7:53am »

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I've been watching this closely and am just sickened. Such smart, accomplished, vibrant men they were. Cry

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Julia
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Re: Lost Hikers
« Reply #4 on: Dec 19^th, 2006, 11:19am »

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that is such a terrible loss and tragedy

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luci
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Re: Lost Hikers
« Reply #5 on: Dec 19^th, 2006, 2:57pm »

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on Dec 19^th, 2006, 7:53am, lakelady wrote:

Such smart, accomplished, vibrant men they were. Cry

If they were so smart, why did they try this type
of hike this time of year? YES, it makes me sick to
think these 3 lives were lost.

I can't help but see it as selfishness on their parts.
One cannot escape the elements of changeable weather this time of year,
not forget the cost the cost of this rescue!
Outrage is what I feel and it's Christmas!
Don't you know these families love this type of present!

My condolences to the families, may they somehow find peace.

« Last Edit: Dec 19^th, 2006, 3:00pm by luci »

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