Posted on 12/17/2006 3:43:18 PM PST by ConservativeMan55
CNN now reporting that the two men who found the deceased climber know the identity and the families have been told.
CNN also showing the "Y" photo.
That Captain had a tough time breaking that news. This has to be very difficult for them too.
It's pretty hard for me to understand why, if you need rescue, you'd head UP the mountain from a snow cave.
That's insane.
They were near the summit; the route down the mountain on the other side was easier then if they had gone back on the slope they were on.
Suggested on Fox today, by someone, that they were so close to the summit, that may have been the easiest, quickest way to get to the south side and an easier descent.
Body of missing climber found dead in snow cave on Mount Hood
Story Published: Dec 17, 2006 at 4:21 PM PST
Story Updated: Dec 17, 2006 at 4:56 PM PSTBy JOSEPH B. FRAZIER Associated Press Writer
HOOD RIVER, Ore. (AP) - Rescuers looking for three missing climbers on Mount Hood found a body Sunday in the area where one of the climbers made a distress call a week ago, authorities said.
The dead climber had not yet been identified, said Pete Hughes, a spokesman for the Hood River County Sheriff's Office. The victim was believed to be one of the three missing climbers, authorities said.
A Chinook helicopter lifted the body from the 11,239-foot mountain and took it to Hood River, said Karl Tesch, another spokesman for the sheriff's office.
The body was found in a second snow cave near another snow cave where rescuers found a sleeping bag, ice axes and rope, officials said.
"Our hearts are going out to the families right now," said Capt. Mike Braibish, spokesman for the Oregon National Guard.
Rescuers planned to come off the mountain early Sunday evening and review the information gathered Sunday before making tomorrow's plans, Braibish said.
"The searchers are putting their heart and soul into this," he said. "There is a common focus. We continue to search. We continue to look. We continue to remain optimistic. We remain hopeful."
Near the first snow cave, helicopters had spotted rope that had been intentionally laid out in a Y-shape, which some rescuers said is commonly used by climbers to indicate their location. There was also an ice spike and footprints, said Sgt. Gerry Tiffany, spokesman for the Hood River County Sheriff's Office.
Searchers dug through the cave, about 300 feet below the summit, to ensure no one was there and took the equipment, which will be examined for clues.
Weather conditions have been harsh since the three were reporting missing eight days ago, with heavy snow fall and wind gusts of up to 100 mph. The snow stopped Saturday, but wind up to 50 mph blew the fresh snow, hampering visibility. Skies were blue Sunday, the wind was still, and temperatures at the 11,239-foot summit were reported near zero degrees.
There has been no communication from Kelly James, 48, of Dallas, 37-year-old Brian Hall of Dallas, or 36-year-old Jerry "Nikko" Cooke of New York City since Dec. 10, when James used his cell phone to call his family. He told them he was sheltering in a snow cave while his companions started back down the mountain, apparently to get help for him.
The last clue to their whereabouts was a brief signal returned from James' cell phone Tuesday.
It is not yet known how the body will be brought down from the mountain.
It is not yet known how the body will be brought down from the mountain.
Note to JOSEPH B. FRAZIER Associated Press Writer, from earlier in your article...
A Chinook helicopter lifted the body from the 11,239-foot mountain and took it to Hood River, said Karl Tesch, another spokesman for the sheriff's office.
It's still not a good sign that one was found dead. I'd think they'd all stick togther if at all possible.
I had a feeling that it was not good when they kept saying a sleeping bag had been found. But, also kept hoping it was typical misreporting.
Now CNN reporting the families do not know who it is yet, have to wait for 'legal' ID first.
The speculation is that Kelly James was injured and unable to descend, so the other two helped dig him a snow cave close to the summit and descended to get help. This was based on a cell phone call he placed to his family last weekend.
He was the one that was wounded and left in the cave. Very likely it's him. So tragic.
Why can't climbers be issued with a small GPS device at the base of the mountain? It seems such an easy solution to this problem. It certainly can't cost as much as the rescue is costing. I know a lot of the rescuers are volunteers but there still must be a great cost to the community to do this.
Yeah, I just heard that. I can't believe that they won't be told until "legalities" are completed. An ID card or DL would tell them what they need. Of course, maybe the families have been told and are in seclusion, and to keep the press hounds away they are putting out the story that notification must await recovery and official identification.
Did you hear the earlier guy talking about his 17 days on Mt. Hood in the 70's? He was talking about his faith in God and how if he died he would live again.
I keep wondering why or how they got separated. Any speculation?
As strange as it may sound, official identification in most places requires a fingerprint match or physical ID by a family member.
Climbing season in the Himalayas is not in the winter though. Typically it is April through early May.
The speculation is that Kelly James was injured and unable to descend, so the other two helped dig him a snow cave close to the summit and descended to get help. This was based on a cell phone call he placed to his family last weekend.
Yes, have been listening to CNN but will see what Greta's up to.
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