Brian Christopher Jones, 37, was climbing near the summit of North Sister in the Three Sisters Wilderness in September 2011 when he fell from the mountain’s west side. His climbing partner witnessed the fall; Jones first rolled down a gravel slope and then went over a sheer cliff estimated at about 500 feet. Crews from Lane, Linn, and Deschutes counties responded and an Oregon Air National Guard Black Hawk located what was believed to be his body near 9,000 feet, but severe weather, high winds, and snow made recovery impossible at the time.

The slope where he fell is described as hazardous, exposed, and friable, with loose volcanic rock and few secure anchor points. Authorities said he did not have a safety line attached. Rescuers ultimately suspended search efforts by the end of the month and Jones is presumed to have perished in the fall.

If anyone was on the North Sister that September or has information about Brian’s climb, please share what you know.