Medical Emergency At Mount Bachelor Ski Resort Results In Tragic Fatality (Photo) -03/17/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 17, 2025

Medical Emergency at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort Results in Tragic Fatality

Deschutes County, Ore. – On March 17, 2025, at 3:04 p.m., Deschutes County 911 received an emergency SOS text message from an Apple device via satellite. The message reported a "trapped and injured person in steep terrain." GPS coordinates included in the message indicated the location was on the west side of Mount Bachelor. (43.9861 -121.7032)

911 dispatchers immediately dispatched Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, AirLink, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputies, and Sheriff Search and Rescue teams to the scene. Dispatchers also established voice contact with the reporting party and provided CPR and life-saving instructions.

Ski patrollers reached the reporting party and assumed patient care. Minutes later, the patient was transported to the Mt. Bachelor Clinic, where he succumbed to his injuries.

DCSO deputies identified the deceased as Benjamin Shelkey, 34, of Seattle, Washington. Investigators determined Shelkey was found unresponsive, buried in snow. Third parties at the scene worked for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to free him before beginning CPR.

While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, and the official cause of death has not yet been determined, the circumstances are consistent with snow immersion suffocation. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office urges outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when recreating in backcountry and resort areas, particularly in deep snow conditions.

Statement from Sheriff van der Kamp:
"On behalf of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Oregon community, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Benjamin Shelkey. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. We also want to recognize the swift response and dedication of all those citizens and ski patrollers who assisted in this rescue effort. Tragedies like this remind us of the risks of outdoor recreation, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when venturing into deep snow conditions."

We thank our partners—Deschutes County 911, Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and AirLink—for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Provides Free Shred Event In Bend (Photo) -03/14/25

Released By:  Lt. Bryan Husband

Release Date:  March 14th, 2025

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of Republic Services, will be providing a free shred event tomorrow, 03/15/25, 10am-12pm, at our main office in Bend, 63333 Hwy 20 West. This information can also be located on the DCSO website (sheriff.deschutes.org) under the Community/Public Notices tab.

This is a residential free shred event and is not intended for business/commercial shredding. We can accept paper clips and staples but cannot take plastic bags or three ring binders. We are asking that people limit the number of documents to be shredded to no more than four boxes. If you have more than four boxes of material to be shredded, we are asking that you contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263 to determine how to dispose of your items.

 
Medications accepted are prescription, patches, ointments, over the counter, vitamins, samples, and medications for pets.

NO SHARPS, THERMOMETERS, INHALERS, ETC.
 
This event also provides an opportunity for flag disposal. If anyone has an old tattered American flag, they would like properly disposed of it can be done at these events.  
Food donations are also accepted during the event, which will go to a local foodbank.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search And Rescue Rescues Injured Skiers On South Sister (Photo) -03/12/25

BEND, Ore. — March 11, 2025 – On the afternoon of March 11, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) responded to a call about two skiers stranded on South Sister—one of them injured. Attempts to contact the skiers by phone were unsuccessful, so SAR teams began coordinating a rescue.

By 2:38 p.m., the Sheriff's Office SAR Incident Management Team was activated to help plan the mission. At 4:51 p.m., two SAR members were flown to the mountain by a AirLink helicopter, and by 5:12 p.m., they had spotted the skiers and were searching for a place to land.

SAR members had reached the skiers, both men (ages 19 & 20) from Salt Lake City, UT. Moments later, the Oregon Army National Guard HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter arrived overhead. The Army National Guard helicopter successfully picked up both the injured skier and their companion and transported them to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.

Meanwhile, the two rescueing SAR members remained near the south edge of the Lewis Glacier. They skied down South Sister to another SAR team on snowmobiles who delivered back to Dutchman Sno-Park.

This rescue was a team effort, and we appreciate the help from AirLink and the Oregon Army National Guard in getting these skiers to safety.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Rescues Injured Snowmobile Rider Near Elk Lake (Photo) -03/08/25

DESCHUTES COUNTY, OR – March 8, 2025 –

At approximately 3:53 PM, Deschutes County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of a serious snowmobile accident near Elk Lake Loop, just south of Sunset View Day Use Area. The rider, identified as a 14-year-old female from Lake Oswego, Oregon, went off-trail and collided with a tree, sustaining serious injuries.

Due to the severity of the injuries and challenging terrain, nine Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers from both the snowmobile and medical teams quickly responded. While en route, deputies received updates that the patient had briefly lost consciousness. Given this critical development, Air Link was immediately dispatched to assist with the evacuation.

AirLink initially could not land near the crash site due to terrain constraints. SAR teams swiftly established a safe landing zone on nearby Trail 5 (GPS 43.9711, -121.7979). Two Sheriff's Office SAR paramedics and two AirLink Flight Nurses provided urgent medical care on scene, stabilizing the patient before transporting her via the SAR Snowbulance approximately 1.6 miles to the helicopter.

At 6:44 PM, the patient was successfully loaded onto the AirLink helicopter and transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon, for continued medical care.

#END#

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SAR Team Responds To Serious Snowmobile Accident Near Century Drive (Photo) -02/27/25

Bend, Oregon -- At approximately 10:15 AM today, Deschutes County 911 was contacted by a third-party monitoring service that had received an automated crash notification from a cell phone application belonging to a snowmobile crash victim. Moments later, a second call was placed to 911 by a witness, reporting that two individuals had suffered significant injuries after crashing a snowmobile into a tree.

Utilizing electronic data from the crash notification service and information provided by the witness, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers were deployed to the scene. The crash occurred near Mile Post 17.5 on Century Drive, along Snowmobile Trail 25.

SAR teams located a 51-year-old man and his 14-year-old daughter, both from Portland, who had sustained serious injuries while riding a rental snowmobile. SAR Medics quickly stabilized both patients and requested an air ambulance for transport. AirLink was dispatched to assist.

Using the DCSO Search and Rescue "Snow-Bulance," the injured individuals were transported to an awaiting Bend Fire Department ambulance. The 51-year-old man was then flown via AirLink to St. Charles Health System -- Bend, while his daughter was transported by Bend Fire ambulance to the same facility for further medical care.

"This incident highlights the importance of emergency notification technology and the rapid response capabilities of our Search and Rescue teams," said Deschutes County Sheriff Kent Vander Kamp. "Our SAR volunteers, 911 Dispatchers, and emergency medical partners worked seamlessly to ensure this family received the urgent care they needed. Most importantly, when renting snowmobiles or other motorized recreational vehicles, always get proper use instructions and drive within your capabilities and experience."

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office reminds outdoor enthusiasts always to exercise caution when recreating in the backcountry, carry emergency communication devices when possible, share your routes with others, and dress accordingly.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

### END ###

DCSO Detective's Division Receives Indictment On Child Abuse Case (Photo) -02/21/25

Child Abusers Captured After Hiding Out in Hotel on Oregon Coast

****UPDATE****

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: February 21, 2025

Location: Coos County, Oregon

Arrested: Session (Hardenburg), Sarah

Arrested: Hardenburg, Paula

Arrested: Hardenburg, Gary L

Narrative:

Law Enforcement has contacted and arrested all three suspects on their nationwide felony arrest warrants in Coos County.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office extends its thanks to all that assisted in locating these suspects and to those that affected the arrest.

****END OF UPDATE****

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: February 20th, 2025

Suspect #1: Session, Sarah Marie 33-year-old female, Bend

Charges: ORS 163.115 Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, ORS 163.185 Assault in the First Degree, ORS 163.175 Assault in the Second Degree (2 counts), Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree (8 counts), ORS 163.165 Assault in the Third Degree (5 counts), ORS 163.275 Coercion (2 counts)

Suspect #2: Hardenburg, Paula 60-year-old female, Bend

Charges: ORS 163.175 Assault in the Second Degree, ORS 163.205 Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree (2 counts), ORS 163.200 Criminal Mistreatment in the Second Degree (2 counts), ORS 162.295 Tampering with Physical Evidence

Suspect #3: Hardenburg, Gary L 65-year-old male, Bend

Charges: ORS 163.205 Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree, ORS 163.200 Criminal Mistreatment in the Second Degree, ORS 162.295 Tampering with Physical Evidence

Narrative:

After a lengthy investigation the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Detective's Division received an indictment from the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office through Grand Jury on Tuesday February 18^{th, 2025,} for Sarah Session (Hardenburg), Paula Hardenburg, and Gary Hardenburg.

Currently there are active nationwide felony arrest warrants for Sarah Session, and Paula and Gary Hardenburg for the above listed charges. All suspects appear to be avoiding contact with law enforcement.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is requesting assistance from the public. If anyone has seen or been in contact with the above listed suspects, please contact Deschutes County non-Emergency Dispatch at 541-693-6911.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Responding To Avalanche Incident (Photo) -02/19/25

##UPDATE##

Released by: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: February 19, 2025

Deceased: Skjersaa, Terance Olaf 57-year-old male, Bend

Deceased: Skjersaa, Susan Renee 52-year-old female, Bend

Location: Snowmobile Trail 8 near Trail 88 (Happy Valley Area)

NARRATIVE:

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office responded on February 17^th, 2025, to a reported avalanche burial of backcountry skiers in the area of Trail 8 between the junction with Trail 88 and Trail 6. This area is between the Bend Watershed and Broken Top Mountain and commonly known as Happy Valley.

The subjects were determined overdue during the evening of February 17^th and friends began searching for them. Shortly before midnight, friends found the subjects buried in an avalanche.  Both were deceased. The avalanche was suspected to have occurred several hours before the subjects were found.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue sent two members to the scene overnight and they were joined by additional members and a deputy yesterday morning to conduct the investigation and recovery. Both victims were recovered.

The public should be aware avalanche danger in the Central Cascades area is moderate to considerable. Please use extreme caution when recreating in the areas and check coavalanche.org for more information including forecasts and observations.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Central Oregon Avalanche Center and United States Forest Service.

## End of Update ##

****UPDATE****

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: February 18, 2025 

Narrative:

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Unit has successfully recovered two deceased subjects from the area of Trail 8. The initial investigation indicates the two subjects were caught in an avalanche while recreating in the area.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the couple who lost their lives in the avalanche while enjoying the Central Oregon backcountry. Their long history in our community and the lives they touched are a testament to the spirit and resilience that make Central Oregon such a special place to live. On behalf of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and our entire community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to their family and loved ones during this difficult time." Sheriff Kent van der Kamp

Further information may be released at a later date. Names of the subjects are being withheld at this time.

****END OF UPDATE****

Released by:Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Location: Snowmobile Trail 8

NARRATIVE:

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office responded overnight to a reported avalanche burial in the area of Trail 8 between the junction with Trail 88 and Trail 6 (FS Road 370). This area is between the Bend Watershed and Broken Top area and commonly known as Happy Valley. At this time, we are asking the public to avoid the area and to watch out for additional Search and Rescue and law enforcement resources responding to and working on scene

We cannot release any further information at this time.

The public should be aware avalanche danger in the Central Cascades area is moderate to considerable. Please use extreme caution when recreating in the areas and check coavalanche.org for more information including forecasts and observations.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##