News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Horseback rider injured when horse spooked by swarm of bees on Pacific Crest Trail

Posted: Sept. 28, 2009 9:47 a.m.

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A horseback rider was injured when her horse was spooked by a swarm of bees on the Pacific Crest Trail.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, 2009 at approximately 3:30 p.m., five females were riding horses on the Pacific Crest Trail, near the Twin Lakes trail, when a swarm of bees spooked the horses. (It's likely one of the horses stepped on a bee's nest along the trail.)

The victim in this case, Donna Tewksbury, age 70, and her horse fell to the ground after her horse reared. While the horse was attempting to stand erect, it unintentionally stepped on the victim's abdomen. Tewksbury also sustained minor injuries to her wrist during this incident.

Tewksbury was conscious, but couldn't move from the rocky area of the trail. Tewksbury's friend and riding companion Alicia Smith began riding for help toward the Frog Lake parking lot; along the way she met some hikers on the trail.

Smith was able to use a cell phone provided by one of the hikers to call 911 and summon emergency help.

These same hikers stopped to assist Tewksbury -- keeping her comfortable and allowing use of their cell phone for additional communication.

The horse was not injured as a result of this incident.

  American Medical Response's RAT Team reached victim first. Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue personnel helped package the patient and pack her out to the trailhead, which was an estimated 2 miles away. Mountain Wave Emergency Communications and their 4x4 group assisted during this rescue mission.

LifeFlight responded to airlift the patient to Emanuel Hospital at approximately 8:40 p.m. Tewksbury was reported to be in stable condition.

Tewksbury's riding partners were:


Hiker (with group of hikers) who helped out:

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Contact Info: Jim Strovink, Detective