Oregon snowboarder dies after falling off cliff in avalanche
An Oregon snowboarder died last week after being swept away by an avalanche at Paulina Peak of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument in the Deschutes National Forest, the sheriff’s department confirmed.
A search and rescue team from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reached Erik Hefflefinger, of Bend, Oregon, within three hours of his plane crash Wednesday afternoon after receiving SOS alerts from the area, it said. the department in a statement.
Oregon State Police also responded but were unable to get to Hefflefinger due to snow conditions.
The sheriff’s rescue team was also delayed after the avalanche.
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Paulina Peak, the highest point of Newberry Volcano, rises to 7,984 feet. (USFS/Flickr)
The 33-year-old had a weak pulse but succumbed to his injuries at the scene within an hour, officials said.
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He was taken to the 10 Mile Snow Park and released at a funeral home.
Two friends of Hefflefinger, who had snowboarded before him, told authorities they saw him swept over the cliff by avalanche debris and were able to reach him before rescuers started. CPR.
Hefflefinger may have hit a tree as he fell, investigators said.
All three snowboarders had proper avalanche safety equipment, the department said.
Two more avalanche deaths have been reported in the county so far this year, after no fatalities in the past nine years.
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“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind anyone recreating in the backcountry to ensure you have the proper equipment and training,” the tee department said.
Paulina Peak, the highest point of Newberry Volcano, rises to 7,984 feet.
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