On November 25, John Andrews (62) fell more than 200 feet into a “crater” (sic) near the Hogsback area, along the south-side route. Andrews’ climbing partner used a cell phone to call 911, then remained in contact with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit, which coordinated the rescue.

Portland Mountain Rescue, American Medical Response Reach and Treat Team, and Mountain Wave Search and Rescue set up a command post at Timberline Lodge. Andrews was conscious and breathing when rescuers reached him. After stabilizing Andrews, they loaded him into an Oregon Army National Guard HH-60M helicopter around 6:30 p.m. for a quick flight to Legacy Emanuel. (Source: Edited from a report in The Oregonian by Rick Bella.)

(Editor’s note: Climbers are often unroped on this route. As a result, the consequences are greater when a fall happens. Also on Mt. Hood, in early August six snowboarders set out on foot to explore an overhanging crevasse at the 8,100-foot level on the White River Glacier when a serac collapsed and buried three of them. Two near the surface survived, but one was buried too deeply and perished. Skiers and snowboarders are reminded that they need to recognize mountaineering hazards.)