Jared John Empey, a 37-year-old climber from Kuna, Idaho, is missing after falling on Mount Jefferson last Friday. Recovery efforts are continuing in Linn County.
Search Efforts
Witnesses reported seeing Empey fall down the west side of the summit near the Red Saddle. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office received the initial report of a fallen climber on July 24, 2026, at 1135 hours.
An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter launched a search of the area, locating what is believed to be the climber’s backpack and other gear on the west side of the summit. However, the climber himself was not found.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
