Bend Man Dies While Climbing Three Fingered Jack

Monday, September 21, 2015

Hilary Devaney, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Tyler Jeffery Heilman, 22, was climbing Three Fingered Jack in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness yesterday afternoon when he fell to his death.

According to Linn Country Sheriff Bruce Riley, Heilman and his climbing partner Corey Franklin, 23, were climbing at approximately 7,700-foot elevation when Heilman fell. Heilman, who was not roped in, fell 500 to 600 feet at 1:50 PM on Sunday.

Linn County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue organized a search for Heilman with the Oregon Air National Guard. The search lasted until last night at 6:43 PM when the Oregon Air National Guard helicopter crew reported that they had located Heilman’s body.

Because it was getting dark and conditions were hazardous, the rescue team will resume recovering Heilman’s body today with Corvallis Mountain Rescue.