The Linn County Sheriff’s Office has suspended the search for the Salem climber who went missing while descending Mount Jefferson on Friday, July 23.
Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon said a significant amount of resources went into locating 33-year-old Steven Van Pelt and continuing to search for him would jeopardize additional lives.
“Resources, to include six mountain rescue teams, took great risk searching for Van Pelt over the last several days among the extreme mountainous terrain with glacier drifts, falling rocks and debris,” Yon said in a news release.
He said Van Pelt’s family is aware of the decision.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Eugene Mountain Rescue, Deschutes Mountain Rescue, Portland Mountain Rescue, Hood River Mountain Rescue, Oregon Emergency Management, United States Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve (304th), LifeFlight, Idanha Fire Department, Detroit Fire Department, Amateur Radio Emergency Services and United States Forest Service.
-Saphara Harrell
