I am annoyed at this story abt the 3 missing hikers at Mt. Hood in Oregon... - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Ireneparalegal · 12-13-2006, 08:17 PM

I am annoyed at the following story and many like them because it irks the hell out of me that three adults with any brains shouldn't be hiking in the wilderness, especially with the weather conditions that currently exist in that area. The rescuers and volunteers are putting their lives at risk for the stupidity and foolishness of three people who didn't THINK.

COOPER SPUR, Ore. - Rescue teams equipped with ice axes, ropes and other high-altitude gear were once again frustrated Tuesday in their efforts since the weekend to find three climbers on Oregon’s highest mountain.

After battling high winds and blowing snow, search teams broke for the day without success. More snow and high winds were expected Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

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.

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

Crews may get some help from heat-seeking unmanned aircraft provided by a Colorado company as well as cell phone detection equipment from another high-tech company, said Deputy Pete Hughes, another sheriff’s spokesman.

But even if those tools locate the missing climbers, bad weather may prevent crews from climbing high enough to rescue them, Hughes said.

“If anybody is above the 7,000-foot range, we’re not going to be able to get to them,” Hughes said. “And we’re probably not going to be able to get to them by Thursday either, unless there happens to be a break in the weather.”

Rescue teams have been combing the upper elevations since Monday in search of the three experienced climbers.

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, 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, said Joseph Wampler, sheriff for Hood River County, 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, Fla., Kelly’s 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.

Brad Russ · 12-13-2006, 08:26 PM

This story has been dominating the news here in Oregon over the last few days. I believe two of the hikers aren't even Oregonians. Ones from New York, and I'm not sure where the other is from. But yeah, I agree with you, it is pretty crazy to come to a mountain that you're not familiar with, and take such huge risks. I hope these guys are found, but it's definitely not looking good.

We had another tragedy last week involving this family who got lost out in the wilderness for several days. Everyone survived, except for the father, who wandered off to try and find help for his family, only to be found frozen to death. It's certainly been a sad week here in the Pacific Northwest.

I think that is a valuable lesson to everyone. If you're ever lost in the wilderness, or on a mountain, stay put. It was heroic for him to try and find help for his family, but had he stayed put, he'd still be alive today.

Ireneparalegal · 12-13-2006, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Mel

This story has been dominating the news here in Oregon over the last few days. I believe two of the hikers aren't even Oregonians. Ones from New York, and I'm not sure where the other is from. But yeah, I agree with you, it is pretty crazy to come to a mountain that you're not familiar with, and take such huge risks. I hope these guys are found, but it's definitely not looking good.

We had another tragedy last week involving this family who got lost out in the wilderness for several days. Everyone survived, except for the father, who wandered off to try and find help for his family, only to be found frozen to death. It's certainly been a sad week here in the Pacific Northwest.

I think that is a valuable lesson to everyone. If you're ever lost in the wilderness, or on a mountain, stay put. It was heroic for him to try and find help for his family, but had he stayed put, he'd still be alive today.

I feel really bad for that father, not to mention the fact his family was stranded for over a week with a baby in tow. Now they have to face the holidays without him. That is sad.

These three lame brains though, like you said, one is from New York. These people are putting other people's lives in danger.

Karen* · 12-14-2006, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Mel

We had another tragedy last week involving this family who got lost out in the wilderness for several days. Everyone survived, except for the father, who wandered off to try and find help for his family, only to be found frozen to death. It's certainly been a sad week here in the Pacific Northwest.

I think that is a valuable lesson to everyone. If you're ever lost in the wilderness, or on a mountain, stay put. It was heroic for him to try and find help for his family, but had he stayed put, he'd still be alive today.

Yeah, the family was from San Francisco. It was a really sad story. I really thought the father would be alive, since everyone else was found safe and sound.

dragster58 · 12-14-2006, 11:33 AM

Risky business indeed!

Brad Russ · 12-17-2006, 04:37 PM

Chopper spots possible snow cave on Mt. Hood

By kgw.com and AP Staff

HOOD RIVER, Ore. -- Aircraft deployed in the search for three missing climbers on Mount Hood spotted "items of interest" in the general area where one of the climbers made a distress call from a snow cave a week ago, officials said Sunday.

The crew climbs into a Blackhawk helicopter to search Mount Hood.

Bill Pattison, coordinator with a team of volunteers involved in the search, said he had seen video taken from a helicopter showing what he described as debris near what appeared to be a snow cave near the summit.

Teams were approaching the summit from the north and south sides of the mountain to investigate. They were on the way to the location -- about 11,000 feet up and on the north side of Mount Hood -- to examine the clues, said Marc Smith, a deputy with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office.

Rescue official had said Sunday morning that air search teams had spotted some "positive" signs that are helping them narrow their search to specific areas on the mountain.

Capt. Christopher Bernard, of the Air Force Reserve's 304th Rescue Squadron, wouldn't say exactly what was spotted, other than it is "climbing specific."

Search teams are headed to those areas where indicators where found.

Rescue teams hope to find any sign of the climbers, particularly the snow cave where one of the climbers' is believed to have made a cell phone call.

Teams are headed toward the summit up the north and south sides of the mountain.

Share reactions on search | Climbers' moms talk

Searchers got close to the 11,239-foot summit Saturday, reaching 10,600 feet before nightfall and worsening conditions forced them off the mountain. With the weather colder but clearer Sunday, they set out again from 6,000 feet and planned to make it to the top, officials said.

"Searchers will be able to see a long way down and a long way up" because of the better visibility, said Sgt. Sean Collinson of the Clackamas County sheriff's office.

Crews expected to make better time in their ascent thanks to a path they beat in the snow Saturday, said Sgt. Gerry Tiffany, of the Hood River County sheriff's office.

The teams on the mountain were to be joined for a third day by a Nevada Air National Guard C-130 cargo plane equipped with infrared heat sensors that could detect a person against the cold backdrop of snow.

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.

On Saturday, the cold hobbled rescue efforts as some searchers had to come down because of facial frostbite.

However, that cold was accompanied by a temporary break in weeklong stormy conditions, paving the way for the biggest push yet since the three men were reported missing on what was to have been a quick climb to the peak.

Hood River County Sheriff Joe Wampler said Saturday that the odds of finding the three alive would improve if they kept the sleeping bags they had said they were taking with them. Some climbers stash gear to lighten their load as they climb, picking it up on the way back down, but Wampler said no stashes had been found.

At a news conference earlier Saturday, the mothers of the three climbers choked back tears as they expressed hope their sons would be found.

"I want the mountain to release our sons," said Cooke's mother, Maria Kim. "The mountain has no right to keep our sons."

Brad Russ · 12-17-2006, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Girl Next Door

Yeah, the family was from San Francisco. It was a really sad story. I really thought the father would be alive, since everyone else was found safe and sound.

Yeah, I was shocked and saddened when I heard he had died. Our local newschannel had a one hour tribute to him, and his heroism. May He Rest In Peace!!!

Ireneparalegal · 12-17-2006, 05:08 PM

"The mountain has no right to keep our sons". Nice words from a heartbroken mother. Did her son think abt her and his loved ones when he decided to trek out into that mountain without "thinking"????????

Brad Russ · 12-17-2006, 07:50 PM

Here's some sad news that just came from our local news.

BREAKING NEWS: One climber found dead

Portland Mountain Rescue officials confirmed Sunday afternoon that crews found the body of one climber in a snow cave different from one that officials zeroed in on earlier in the day.

That's all Iv'e been able to find on the story so far.

Brad Russ · 12-17-2006, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

"The mountain has no right to keep our sons". Nice words from a heartbroken mother. Did her son think abt her and his loved ones when he decided to trek out into that mountain without "thinking"????????

I understand what you're saying, but this is a grieving mother. I have a feeling lots of mother's would be saying the same thing, or something similar if they were in such a desperate situation, regardless of how irrational it was. Just shows how scared she is, and how much she fears for her son. Poor families!!

Brent88 · 12-17-2006, 07:55 PM

Just heard about the one. Sad, but not totally surprised. I figured it would end badly.

But there still is some hope for the other 2.

12-13-2006, 08:17 PM	#1
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	I am annoyed at this story abt the 3 missing hikers at Mt. Hood in Oregon... I am annoyed at the following story and many like them because it irks the hell out of me that three adults with any brains shouldn't be hiking in the wilderness, especially with the weather conditions that currently exist in that area. The rescuers and volunteers are putting their lives at risk for the stupidity and foolishness of three people who didn't THINK. COOPER SPUR, Ore. - Rescue teams equipped with ice axes, ropes and other high-altitude gear were once again frustrated Tuesday in their efforts since the weekend to find three climbers on Oregon’s highest mountain. After battling high winds and blowing snow, search teams broke for the day without success. More snow and high winds were expected Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. 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. Rescue teams planned to debrief and map out a strategy for Wednesday, said Deputy Gary Tiffany, spokesman for the Hood River County sheriff’s office, which has been coordinating the search. Crews may get some help from heat-seeking unmanned aircraft provided by a Colorado company as well as cell phone detection equipment from another high-tech company, said Deputy Pete Hughes, another sheriff’s spokesman. But even if those tools locate the missing climbers, bad weather may prevent crews from climbing high enough to rescue them, Hughes said. “If anybody is above the 7,000-foot range, we’re not going to be able to get to them,” Hughes said. “And we’re probably not going to be able to get to them by Thursday either, unless there happens to be a break in the weather.” Rescue teams have been combing the upper elevations since Monday in search of the three experienced climbers. 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, 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, said Joseph Wampler, sheriff for Hood River County, 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, Fla., Kelly’s 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.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

12-13-2006, 08:26 PM	#2
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	This story has been dominating the news here in Oregon over the last few days. I believe two of the hikers aren't even Oregonians. Ones from New York, and I'm not sure where the other is from. But yeah, I agree with you, it is pretty crazy to come to a mountain that you're not familiar with, and take such huge risks. I hope these guys are found, but it's definitely not looking good. We had another tragedy last week involving this family who got lost out in the wilderness for several days. Everyone survived, except for the father, who wandered off to try and find help for his family, only to be found frozen to death. It's certainly been a sad week here in the Pacific Northwest. I think that is a valuable lesson to everyone. If you're ever lost in the wilderness, or on a mountain, stay put. It was heroic for him to try and find help for his family, but had he stayed put, he'd still be alive today.
	__________________ St. John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Currently my favorite song.

12-17-2006, 04:37 PM	#6
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	Breaking news from Norhwest Newschannel 8 Chopper spots possible snow cave on Mt. Hood By kgw.com and AP Staff HOOD RIVER, Ore. -- Aircraft deployed in the search for three missing climbers on Mount Hood spotted "items of interest" in the general area where one of the climbers made a distress call from a snow cave a week ago, officials said Sunday. The crew climbs into a Blackhawk helicopter to search Mount Hood. Bill Pattison, coordinator with a team of volunteers involved in the search, said he had seen video taken from a helicopter showing what he described as debris near what appeared to be a snow cave near the summit. Teams were approaching the summit from the north and south sides of the mountain to investigate. They were on the way to the location -- about 11,000 feet up and on the north side of Mount Hood -- to examine the clues, said Marc Smith, a deputy with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office. Rescue official had said Sunday morning that air search teams had spotted some "positive" signs that are helping them narrow their search to specific areas on the mountain. Capt. Christopher Bernard, of the Air Force Reserve's 304th Rescue Squadron, wouldn't say exactly what was spotted, other than it is "climbing specific." Search teams are headed to those areas where indicators where found. Rescue teams hope to find any sign of the climbers, particularly the snow cave where one of the climbers' is believed to have made a cell phone call. Teams are headed toward the summit up the north and south sides of the mountain. Share reactions on search \| Climbers' moms talk Searchers got close to the 11,239-foot summit Saturday, reaching 10,600 feet before nightfall and worsening conditions forced them off the mountain. With the weather colder but clearer Sunday, they set out again from 6,000 feet and planned to make it to the top, officials said. "Searchers will be able to see a long way down and a long way up" because of the better visibility, said Sgt. Sean Collinson of the Clackamas County sheriff's office. Crews expected to make better time in their ascent thanks to a path they beat in the snow Saturday, said Sgt. Gerry Tiffany, of the Hood River County sheriff's office. The teams on the mountain were to be joined for a third day by a Nevada Air National Guard C-130 cargo plane equipped with infrared heat sensors that could detect a person against the cold backdrop of snow. 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. On Saturday, the cold hobbled rescue efforts as some searchers had to come down because of facial frostbite. However, that cold was accompanied by a temporary break in weeklong stormy conditions, paving the way for the biggest push yet since the three men were reported missing on what was to have been a quick climb to the peak. Hood River County Sheriff Joe Wampler said Saturday that the odds of finding the three alive would improve if they kept the sleeping bags they had said they were taking with them. Some climbers stash gear to lighten their load as they climb, picking it up on the way back down, but Wampler said no stashes had been found. At a news conference earlier Saturday, the mothers of the three climbers choked back tears as they expressed hope their sons would be found. "I want the mountain to release our sons," said Cooke's mother, Maria Kim. "The mountain has no right to keep our sons."

12-17-2006, 07:55 PM	#11
Brent88 Member Forum Star Join Date: Aug 01, 2003 Location: Alabama Posts: 16,174	Just heard about the one. Sad, but not totally surprised. I figured it would end badly. But there still is some hope for the other 2.
	__________________ Brent

12-14-2006, 11:33 AM	#5
dragster58 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 12, 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 613	Risky business indeed!

12-17-2006, 05:08 PM	#8
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	"The mountain has no right to keep our sons". Nice words from a heartbroken mother. Did her son think abt her and his loved ones when he decided to trek out into that mountain without "thinking"????????

12-17-2006, 07:50 PM	#9
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	Here's some sad news that just came from our local news. BREAKING NEWS: One climber found dead Portland Mountain Rescue officials confirmed Sunday afternoon that crews found the body of one climber in a snow cave different from one that officials zeroed in on earlier in the day. That's all Iv'e been able to find on the story so far.