Oregon climber reported dead in Mount Hood fall

Oregon climber reported dead in Mount Hood fall

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Search and rescue teams on Tuesday found the body of an experienced mountaineer who apparently died in a severe fall on Oregon’s Mount Hood, authorities said.

Jared Townsley had made at least a dozen ascents of the mountain, which rises more than 11,000 feet just east of Portland. His body was found at about 9,200 feet, Clackamas County sheriff’s Sgt. James Rhodes said.

The 32-year-old was seen making a descent Monday near Crater Rock, but was reported missing later when he missed a business call.

Searchers had feared he fallen in an area below the summit where other climbers had lost their footing in recent days. On Sunday, a 35-year-old Portland woman slid about 300 feet on ice and suffered leg and rib injuries. She was taken to the hospital and is recovering.

Mount Hood is Oregon’s tallest mountain and a popular climbing destination that has seen dozens of accidents and fatalities over the years. Climbers favor winter ascents because the danger of falling rocks increases as the ice melts in spring and summer.