Roscoe “Rocky” Shorey, a 42-year-old experienced mountain climber from Washougal, Washington, tragically lost his life while summiting Mount St. Helens. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office reported that Shorey was found within the crater of the volcano, approximately 1,200 feet below the summit.
According to the Northwest Avalanche Center, a snowboarder triggered a cornice while standing near the top, causing a fall into the crater and a subsequent slab avalanche on the slope below. Snow cornices, overhanging masses of snow on mountain edges, can be challenging to detect and weaken during warm, sunny periods.
Shorey, who had successfully summitted Mount St. Helens 28 times before the accident, was known for his adventurous spirit. He worked as a private guide, leading treacherous mountain expeditions worldwide, and was also employed at a skydiving company.
Shorey's roommate, Jennifer Neitling, described him as a storyteller who shared epic tales of his mountain adventures. Concern arose when Shorey failed to show up for work, prompting a search that led to the discovery of his belongings near the crater rim.
A group of climbers located Shorey's motionless body inside the volcano's crater. A Volcano Rescue Team was airlifted to recover his remains. In honor of Shorey, his friends organized a memorial summit on Mount St. Helens.
Shorey's tragic accident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with mountain climbing and the unpredictable nature of snow conditions. His adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors will be remembered by those who knew him.
