A search and rescue operation is underway for a 68-year-old hiker missing in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. John D. Nelson, a retired medical doctor, was reported overdue last Tuesday after a hiking trip with his longtime hiking partner.
Nelson and his partner began their trip on July 6, 2026, from the Whitewater Trailhead and camped overnight at Russell Lake. Nelson left Russell Lake alone at approximately 7:15 a.m. the next day and was reported overdue at 12:00 p.m. when he failed to return as expected.
Search efforts have continued each day in the rugged wilderness surrounding Russell Lake and nearby trail systems, with multiple ground search teams and air assets, including a Black Hawk helicopter from the Oregon Army National Guard, assisting in the search.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
