Climbing
NEWS RELEASE: Climber airlifted off Mt. Hood after 700-foot fall
On Saturday, July 6, the Clackamas County and Hood River County Sheriff’s Offices led a mission to evacuate a critically injured climber from Mt. Hood.
Around 7:45 a.m. on July 6, 2024, a climber slipped on the Old Chute route on Mt. Hood. This is a very steep climbing route, high on the mountain’s south side, located at around 11,200′ elevation. The snow surface was frozen, and the climber was unable to arrest his fall — tumbling about 700 feet down to the Hot Rocks area and sustaining multiple injuries.
Fortunately, help was nearby: A couple of off-duty military medics witnessed his fall and descended to help. Two Mt. Hood National Forest- US Forest Service climbing rangers also were in the area, and provided first aid to the injured climber.
Search & Rescue Coordinators from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and Hood River County Sheriff’s Office activated a joint mission. They called on personnel from Portland Mountain Rescue (PMR) and the Hood River Crag Rats to mount an evacuation. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management and U.S. Forest Service also joined the mission. Given the patient’s critical condition, SAR Coordinators requested helicopter transport from the Oregon Army National Guard’s 189th Aviation Regiment, which specializes in medical evacuations.
PMR and Crag Rats rescuers reached the patient shortly after 1 p.m. They stabilized the patient and prepared him for transport.
Excellent flight conditions allowed the National Guard helicopter to do a dramatic “hot landing” on a portion of the Hogsback. As seen in this video (courtesy PMR), rescuers transported the patient the short distance to the aircraft, which then flew him to a Portland hospital for emergency treatment.
The patient was off the mountain quickly—about six hours after his fall — largely because mountain conditions were ideal for rescue.
The injured climber is identified as Arizona resident Chris Zwierzynski, age 55.
According to Mark Morford of Portland Mountain Rescue, “May through early July is a popular time to climb Mt. Hood, and good climbing conditions have lasted longer this year than most. Nevertheless, all routes up the mountain are technical, requiring specialized training and equipment. All routes become progressively more difficult approaching the summit, which can lure inexperienced climbers into situations beyond their skill. Portland Mountain Rescue urges climbers to get proper training from an organization like the Mazamas, or to climb with a qualified guide.”
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Sergeant Ross Clemson, Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Communications UnitSIGN UP for ClackCo Sheriff News Releases in your inbox:
https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/www.clackamas.us/sheriff/constantcontact.htmlNews release on our website with additional photos:
https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/2024-07-06-CCSONR-SARMission.htmlPosted by Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday 9 July 2024
A climber who fell 700 feet on Oregon’s Mount Hood on July 6 miraculously survived the incident and was rescued after sustaining serious injuries. The accident occurred at approximately 11,200 feet when Chris Zwierzynski, a 55-year-old from Arizona, slipped on the icy Old Chute route, a notoriously steep mountain section. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including broken ribs, a broken ankle, and facial fractures, Zwierzynski was fortunate to have immediate assistance. Off-duty military medics and Mount Hood National Forest climbing rangers were nearby and provided crucial first aid, according to a press release from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
“He was unrecognizable. His eyes were swollen shut, and his eye sockets were broken. His nose was broken in two places. He had two brain bleeds and a concussion.”
– Wife Laurie Zwierzynski told KGNS
The Clackamas and Hood River County Sheriff’s Offices coordinated a swift rescue operation, enlisting Portland Mountain Rescue, the Hood River Crag Rats, and other agencies. The Oregon Army National Guard’s 189th Aviation Regiment executed a precise “hot landing” to airlift Zwierzynski to a Portland hospital. The rescue unfolded under favorable weather conditions, allowing for a rapid response.
Zwierzynski, who is pursuing his goal of climbing the highest peaks in every state, expressed immense gratitude for the rescuers and medical staff. Having spent a month in hospital and still far from a full recovery, he remains determined to continue his climbing goal, albeit with more caution and possibly the guidance of experienced climbers.
Zwierzynski’s family and friends are hailing his survival as a miracle, and they have set up a GoFundMe to support his recovery.
