Smith Rock climber rescued after 20-foot fall

(Update: DCSO identifies climber; he was treated and released from hospital)

A 24-year-old Smith Rock climber from Portland fell about 20 feet Monday morning, prompting a three-hour rescue effort and trip to the hospital for treatment, Redmond Fire officials said.

Crews were called to the popular climbing area around 9:40 a.m. and assessed the male patient at the bottom of the ‘Wherever I May Roam’ climb, near Asterisk’s Pass, Redmond Fire Battalion Chief Garrick Terry said.

Matthew Libby of Portland fell while climbing with ropes and sustained non-life-threatening injuries, Deschutes County sheriff’s Sgt. William Bailey said. Medics took him to St. Charles Redmond, where a hospital official said he was treated and released.

Sheriff’s Search and Rescue crews also took part in the rescue effort for Libby, Bailey said.

SAR personnel and Redmond Fire medics treated the patient and used a stokes (wheeled) litter and rope-lowering system in the rescue. Terry said.