Authorities have recovered what are believed to be the remains of Devon Dobek, a hunter who went missing in the Mount Hood National Forest on October 31.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced that rope rescue teams located a body Sunday afternoon at the base of a cliff near the Fish Creek Campground. While officials believe the remains are those of Dobek, formal identification is pending from the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The discovery follows a large-scale search operation that was suspended on November 7 after a week of intensive efforts. The search, which involved more than 4,000 volunteer hours, was centered around the Fish Creek Trailhead where Dobek’s truck had been found.
Rescuers contended with significant challenges in the search area, which was described as having steep terrain, minimal cell service, and damage from the 2020 wildfires. The operation utilized technical ground teams, helicopters, airplanes, K9 units, ATVs, drones with thermal cameras, and cell phone tracking specialists from multiple agencies.
The recovery mission itself proved arduous. According to the CCSO, a deputy, three U.S. Forest Service officers, and several volunteers worked for ten hours to clear numerous downed trees from a washed-out road to gain vehicle access to the location.
“Our thoughts remain with Devon’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
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