CLIMBER MISSING ON MOUNT JEFFERSON - 07/25/26

Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on July 24, 2026, at approximately 1135 hours, the Linn County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting a climber had fallen on Mount Jefferson.

The caller relayed a report from two climbers, who stated they witnessed an unknown climber fall down the west side of the summit near the Red Saddle before disappearing from view into the Milk Creek drainage. The climber was described only as a male, possibly wearing a bright red jacket.

An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter launched to search the area and located what is believed to be the climber's backpack and other gear on the west side of the summit but was unable to locate the climber. Ground search and rescue teams were deployed and started to hike into the base of Mount Jefferson. By the time the teams were deployed, the decision was made to have the teams hike in as far as they could in the evening and make camp for the night. The teams planned to make the ascent at first light in the morning.

On July 25, 2026, at approximately 0608 hours, the Linn County Sheriff's Office received a report of a missing person that had been climbing Mount Jefferson the day before and had missed scheduled check-ins with his wife.  Investigators were able to confirm the backpack and gear recovered belonged to the missing person, identified as Jared John Empey, 37, of Kuna, Idaho.  Jared was an experienced climber had left to solo-summit Mount Jefferson.

Based on witness observations, Jared’s fall was not survivable.  Currently, recovery efforts are continuing throughout the day.  However, where Jared fell, recovery may not be possible.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Oregon Army National Guard, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Eugene Mountain Rescue, Idanha-Detroit Fire District and the U.S. Forest Service for their assistance.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to Jared’s family and friends during this difficult time.