Solo Summit of Mount Jefferson Ended in Tragedy

An experienced Idaho mountaineer was presumed dead after falling while attempting a solo ascent of Mount Jefferson, according to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Michelle Duncan said deputies were first notified of the incident at approximately 11:35 a.m. on July 24, when a 911 caller relayed information from two climbers who witnessed another man fall near the mountain’s summit.

The witnesses reported seeing someone fall down the mountain’s west side near the Red Saddle before disappearing into the Milk Creek drainage. They described the individual only as a male wearing what appeared to be a bright red jacket.

An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter was dispatched to search the area and located what investigators believe was the climber’s backpack and other gear on the west side of the summit. Despite the chopper’s aerial search, crews were unable to locate the climber.

Ground search-and-rescue teams were then deployed to the mountain. Because of the rugged terrain and the late hour, rescuers hiked as far as possible before making camp overnight, planning to continue the search at first light.

At approximately 6:08 a.m. on July 25, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office received a missing-person report involving a climber who had failed to check in with his wife after attempting to summit Mount Jefferson the previous day.

Investigators later confirmed that the backpack and equipment found during the aerial search belonged to the missing climber, identified as Jared John Empey, 37, of Kuna, Idaho. Authorities said Empey was an experienced climber who had set out alone to summit Mount Jefferson.

Based on witness accounts and the circumstances of the fall, investigators believe Empey’s injuries were not survivable.

Recovery efforts continued throughout Saturday, although officials cautioned that the steep, hazardous terrain where Empey fell may make recovering his body impossible.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Oregon Army National Guard, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Eugene Mountain Rescue, Idanha-Detroit Fire District and the U.S. Forest Service for assisting in the search and recovery effort.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to Jared’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said.