MOUNT HOOD — The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office (HRCSO) has suspended recovery operations for a climber from Bend who was last seen attempting to summit Mount Hood.
At about 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 13, HRCSO was notified of an overdue climber on Mt. Hood. Matthew Aldridge, 26, was reported overdue by a climbing partner. A trio of climbers started at Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort and intended to summit Mount Hood via the Newton Clark Headwall. Two climbers turned back due to conditions, but Aldridge continued his ascent. When the partners had not heard from him, they called to report him overdue.Â
HRCSOÂ initiated a search that included a sheriff's office fixed-wing aircraft, ground searchers, and cell phone forensics. The initial search was narrowed to an area near Pea Gravel Ridge above 8,400-feet in elevation, after phone data suggested a fall. The first attempt to reach the area with ground searchers was unsuccessful due to darkness and unsafe conditions.Â
A larger ground search of the area was resumed in the early morning hours on Dec. 14. Searchers from the Hood River Crag Rats and Portland Mountain Rescue made it to the likely location previously identified but were unsuccessful in locating any sign of Aldridge. Due to deteriorating weather and treacherous conditions, HRCSO made the difficult decision at midday to withdraw searchers and suspend the ground search for Aldridge. Additional efforts may be attempted as conditions allow, but the search has shifted to a recovery mission.Â
HRCSOÂ would like to thank the Hood River Crag Rats, Portland Mountain Rescue, Mt. Hood Meadows, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Northwest Avalanche Center for their assistance with this challenging mission.
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