Rescue on Oregon's Tallest Peak: Climber's Life Saved by Volunteer Team
A miraculous rescue unfolded on Oregon's highest peak as a courageous climber, slipping and plunging hundreds of feet, was fortuitously spotted by vigilant volunteer rescuers who bravely rushed to her aid, ultimately saving her life
A 36-year-old woman slipped and fell from Oregon's highest mountain, with a group of volunteer rescue workers rushing to her aid and ultimately helping to save her life. The incident occurred as the woman was descending a popular path on Mt. Hood, located about 70 miles east of Portland, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. Mt. Hood reaches a height of approximately 11,240 feet, making it the highest peak in Oregon.
According to Brian McCall, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, the climber "slid and tumbled down the mountain for about 300-400 feet." Members of Portland Mountain Rescue, a nonprofit volunteer organization, witnessed the harrowing fall and immediately called 911. They quickly rushed to the woman's aid, providing initial medical care and helping stabilize her, as reported by the sheriff's office.
More teams of rescuers arrived and provided assistance in keeping the woman warm for seven hours while officials worked to safely remove her from the mountain, according to authorities.
Leah Brown, the climber, stated in an email to CNN that she is unsure of what caused her fall.
"This is the section I can't recall," Brown stated. "I can only speculate that it was either an ice tool or a crampon (the steel spikes on climbing boots) that didn't land and stick as it should have, and I became detached from the mountain."
Authorities said the woman was descending down the mountain when she fell several hundred feet.
Portland Mountain Rescue
Portland Mountain Rescue stated in a Facebook post that the woman's injuries made it impossible for her to rescue herself. They collaborated with the Crag Rats group, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. Authorities utilized complex rope systems and a litter to transport the injured climber, who was eventually evacuated to a parking lot at 9:30 p.m. and then taken to the hospital by the sheriff's office, which also assisted in the rescue.
The authorities did not provide additional details about the woman's injuries. Sgt. Ross Clemson, spokesperson for the sheriff's office, informed CNN that the woman had been treated and discharged from a nearby hospital. According to Brown, she was diagnosed with a concussion and had numerous bruises on her arms and legs, but reassured that she did not have any broken bones, stating, "Otherwise, I'm okay."
Brown expressed his utmost gratitude and appreciation for the PMR (Portland Mountain Rescue) and Hood River Crag Rats who rescued and provided exceptional care for him. He credited them with saving his life.
Portland Mountain Rescue issued a warning about the hazardous winter conditions on the mountain following the rescue. "The combination of shorter days and colder temperatures results in very hard and icy snow, making the route much steeper and more technical," the group stated. "Descending the mountain in icy conditions is also significantly more challenging than ascending."
"Having expert mountaineering and ice climbing skills is essential for anyone attempting to climb Mt. Hood in winter, especially after a long dry spell with no precipitation. It is crucial to have appropriate and thorough training."
