STRANDED

Oregon, Mount Jefferson

On September 17, 1993, William Reeves (47), an experienced hiker, was on a four-day trip around the summit of the 10,497-foot peak when he became stranded away from his base camp during a snowstorm.

Jefferson County sheriff's Deputy John Martinez said Reeves is an experienced climber and had survival gear back at the base camp and was hiking toward the summit when the storm hit. Martinez said Reeves spent the night in whiteout conditions by building a wind-break. He used a cellular telephone to call his wife, who suggested he call the sheriff's office for help.

The sheriff's office Search and Rescue team, flying a fixedwing airplane, spotted him Wednesday morning. Reeves’ wife, who is a pilot, took part in the air search.

An H-60 Pave Hawk helicopter was sent from Portland at 0930, said Senior Airman David Bartlett of the U. S. Air Force Reserves 939th Rescue Wing. Martinez said the helicopter set one wheel against the side of the mountain. A para-rescue man jumped out and helped get Reeves back inside. (Source: The Oregonian, September 16, 1993)