Saturday, October 11, 2008

Triple Falls: Columbia River Gorge

A hiker fell to his death near Triple Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A hiker died from head injuries in a fall on a Columbia Gorge trail Friday.

Vancouver volunteer firefighter Jeremiah Lafor was hiking in the area himself when he noticed a Chow dog sitting at the top of Triple Falls and peering over the edge of a 100-foot cliff.

Lafor said he glanced over the edge and saw a man lying unmoving about 30 yards downstream from the base of the falls. He alerted another hiker to call 9-1-1 and assessed the scene.

Something strange may have happened.

Rescuers tried to check the dog for tags, but it ran away and has not yet been found. Police said there have not been any missing persons reports matching the man's description, either.[...]

The man was not carrying identification and authorities said they were still trying to figure out who he was. It appeared that he had been hiking alone.

My condolences to his friends and family.

Update: Sunday his dog was found and Oregon drivers license was found. Identity is being withheld pending family notification. Still no details on how he fell.

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