Local Man Dies While Hiking Wagner Butte; Search And Rescue Assists With Challenging Recovery (Photo) - 02/18/26

JCSO Case 26-0801

RURAL TALENT, Ore. – On Sunday, February 15, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a report of a deceased adult male near the summit of the Wagner Butte Trail outside Talent. The individual was located at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet in steep, mountainous terrain.

The decedent is identified as Michael James Beagle, 63, of Central Point. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

JCSO Medical Examiner detectives investigated and determined the death was the result of a medical event. No suspicious circumstances were observed and there is no further investigation.

The recovery required JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) deputies and volunteers to respond in challenging conditions, including snow, ice, high elevation, and an approaching winter storm. Teams worked until after sundown to help ensure other hikers in the area exited safely as weather conditions deteriorated.

On the morning of Monday, February 16, SAR teams returned to recover Mr. Beagle. After approximately 10 hours in the field — navigating more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain over a 10-mile round trip in snow and strong winds — volunteers safely and respectfully recovered him and transferred him to a local funeral home.

JCSO Search and Rescue is comprised of more than 100 highly trained volunteers dedicated to serving our community in difficult and often hazardous conditions.

Michael “Mike” Beagle served as the Southern Oregon University (SOU) Alumni Director. In a heartfelt tribute, SOU shared: “Mike left us while doing what he loved most, exploring the mountains and forests of Southern Oregon. We will carry forward his warmth, his humor, and his unwavering love for SOU.”

There is no further information available for release.

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