News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Portland Mountain Rescue saves one of its own

Posted: Jan. 17, 2009, 8:26 p.m.

At 10:21 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, an experienced mountaineer encountered falling ice while ascending Mt. Hood -- near what is referred to as the "Pearly Gates" portion of the mountain, with an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet.

This 45-year-old male mountaineer -- Michael R. Leming, 45, of Portland, Oregon -- was struck with a "shower of falling ice" that caused Leming to fall a reported 200 feet.

As a result of this violent fall, Leming suffered at least one broken ankle and was totally incapacitated.

Leming was ascending the mountain with two other climbers at the time of his fall. All members of his climbing party were well-equipped, experienced climbers.

Leming is reportedly an active member of the elite Portland Mountain Rescue (PMR) group -- renowned for its climbing expertise and volunteer efforts on Mt. Hood.

Leming's climbing companion first reported this event, via cell phone, to the Clackamas County Communications Center.

In a stroke of good fortune, additional Portland Mountain Rescue members were also on the mountain today (Jan. 17), participating in a training exercise. These training PMR volunteers were summoned to the site where Leming fell -- and contributed significantly to rescuing one of their own.

Leming was also bundled and medically assisted by responding American Medical Response Reach and Treat (RAT) Team members summoned to the scene. A total of seven to nine rescue personnel are on-scene with Leming at this writing (Saturday, Jan. 17).

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinators received word from the rescue personnel on-scene that Leming was in need of a medical airlift from Mt. Hood. Leming was successfully airlifted Saturday afternoon at 3:28 p.m. from the 10,000' level of Mt. Hood (in the Devil's Kitchen area) by a Blackhawk helicopter, dispatched by the U.S. Army National Guard 1042nd.

Leming was airlifted to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, and is reportedly recovering from his climbing-related injuries. He is described by hospital officials as being in fair but stable condition, and is being treated for the significant injuries sustained to his ankles and shoulder.

The U.S. Army National Guard 1042nd reportedly performed superbly in their mission, airlifting this gravely injured climber from a challenging position on Mt. Hood. As one rescuer in attendance put it: "Thank God for the 1042nd. They do it all ... and definitely are the very best of the best!"

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Contact Info: Jim Strovink, Detective