Linn County Undersheriff Paul Timm reports on Friday July 20th, at 7:05 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a call that a climber was injured on the west side of Mount Jefferson.
Preliminary information received indicated that 64-year old Jonathan Sprecher of Bend, Oregon was descending Mount Jefferson after a successful summit attempt and fell in the area of the Milk Creek Glacier. At the time of report, it was believed that although Mr. Sprecher hurt his leg, he and climbing partner, Samual Lowry of Redmond, Oregon had plenty of food and water and were slowly working their way down the mountain.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office sent Search and Rescue teams to make contact with the injured climber early Saturday morning. At approximately 5:00 p.m. Saturday evening, deputies finally reached Mr. Lowry and learned Mr. Sprecher was another 1100 feet up the mountain, as he was unable to put any weight on his leg to continue down. At approximately 6:00 p.m. a helicopter from the Oregon National Guard assisted in hoisting Mr. Sprecher from the mountain to where he could be transported to Salem Hospital for treatment.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Oregon Army National Guard, Linn County Mounted Posse and Linn County Amateur Radio.