Oregon Climber Rescued from Mt. Hood After Miraculous 700-Foot Fall

Chris Zwierzynski, 55, survived a perilous fall on the Old Chute route, receiving prompt medical attention from nearby rescuers and a timely helicopter evacuation.

On a fateful Saturday in Oregon's majestic Mt. Hood, a climber embarked on an arduous ascent that would culminate in a harrowing ordeal. Chris Zwierzynski, a 55-year-old from Arizona, had reached an elevation of approximately 11,200 feet on the challenging Old Chute route, renowned for its steepness and technical difficulty. However, fate took an unexpected turn at 7:45 a.m., when Zwierzynski slipped, triggering a catastrophic fall that sent him plummeting 700 feet down the icy mountainside.

As Zwierzynski hurtled towards the ground, his chances of survival seemed bleak. The snow surface was frozen, offering no hope of arresting his fall. The impact upon reaching the Hot Rocks area inflicted multiple critical injuries, leaving Zwierzynski in a perilous state.

Oregon Climber Rescued from Mt. Hood After Miraculous 700-Foot Fall

Miraculously, fortune smiled upon Zwierzynski as two off-duty military medics witnessed his fall and rushed to his aid. Their swift response provided crucial initial care, while two seasoned Mt. Hood National Forest climbing rangers also descended to assist.

The collaboration of these rescuers was bolstered by ideal weather conditions, which allowed a National Guard helicopter to execute a daring "hot landing" on the mountain's Hogsback section. This maneuver enabled the swift evacuation of Zwierzynski, who was airlifted to a medical facility approximately six hours after his fall.

Oregon Climber Rescued from Mt. Hood After Miraculous 700-Foot Fall

No immediate update on Zwierzynski's medical condition was released, but authorities expressed relief at his survival. However, the incident served as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with mountain climbing, especially on Mt. Hood's demanding slopes.

Officials emphasized that while climbing conditions on the mountain had remained favorable for an extended period this year, the routes remained perilous for unprepared individuals. They stressed the importance of receiving proper training from organizations like the Mazamas or climbing with qualified guides.

Oregon Climber Rescued from Mt. Hood After Miraculous 700-Foot Fall

Mt. Hood, towering at an elevation of 11,249 feet, stands approximately 50 miles southeast of Portland. Its slopes offer a breathtaking yet unforgiving landscape for climbers, demanding technical expertise and specialized equipment.

The rescue of Chris Zwierzynski demonstrated the remarkable teamwork and expertise of seasoned rescuers, along with the importance of proper preparation and risk mitigation for those venturing into the challenging environment of Mt. Hood.

Oregon Climber Rescued from Mt. Hood After Miraculous 700-Foot Fall