Tragic Discovery: Seasoned Climber’s Lifeless Body Discovered 1,200 Feet beneath Mount St. Helens Volcano’s Summit

Tragic Discovery: Seasoned Climber’s Lifeless Body Discovered 1,200 Feet beneath Mount St. Helens Volcano’s Summit

In a devastating turn of events, the lifeless body of Roscoe “Rocky” Shorey, a seasoned mountain climber, was discovered deep within the crater of Mount St. Helens. The 42-year-old climber had successfully conquered the Washington State mountain nearly 30 times before meeting his untimely demise.

The shocking discovery was made by a climbing group who had reached the summit of Mount St. Helens near the Monitor Ridge Climbing Route. As they explored the area, they stumbled upon Shorey’s belongings near the rim of the volcano’s crater. It was then that they made the tragic discovery of a motionless person within the crater itself. Authorities were immediately contacted to handle the situation.

According to police, it is believed that Shorey fell into the volcano while standing on a fractured snow cornice. Rescuers from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and a rescue team from Yacolt, Wash. were airlifted to the volcano and embarked on a treacherous descent to retrieve Shorey’s body. After successfully recovering the climber’s remains, they were flown to the command center at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park for identification.

Shorey’s death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him best. Bret Barnum, a long-time friend of Shorey’s, spoke about their relationship and the impact of his passing. In an interview with KGW, Barnum described Shorey as more than just a friend but as a “little brother.” He reflected on the adventurous spirit and zest for life that Shorey possessed, stating that he lived his life with passion and intention.

Before his tragic accident, Shorey resided in Washougal, Wash., and worked as a brand ambassador for Mountain House, a company that provides meals for survivalists and explorers. In a statement, Mountain House described Shorey as a “fearless adventurer with an appetite for the outdoors almost as big as his joyful heart.” They expressed their deep sadness at his passing and emphasized that he would be missed by all who knew him.

Mount St. Helens, which last erupted in 1980, has long been a popular destination for both new and experienced mountaineers. The volcano’s crater rim stands at an elevation of 8,365 feet above sea level and typically takes climbers seven to twelve hours to complete on a round trip. While climbers are permitted on the rim, entry into the crater is strictly prohibited, as stated by the US Forest Service.

This tragic incident serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers that come with extreme sports and outdoor activities. Even the most experienced climbers can find themselves in perilous situations. As the mountaineering community mourns the loss of Rocky Shorey, it is crucial for adventurers to prioritize safety and adhere to guidelines set forth by authorities. May his memory serve as a reminder to live life to the fullest but also to approach it with caution and respect for nature’s power.