Fatality at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort Following Medical Emergency
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A medical emergency at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort on March 17, 2025, resulted in the death of a Seattle man after a tragic incident on the mountain.
At 3:04 p.m., Deschutes County 911 received an SOS text message from an Apple device via satellite, reporting a "trapped and injured person in steep terrain." The message, which included GPS coordinates, indicated the location was on the west side of Mount Bachelor.
In response, 911 dispatchers immediately activated Mount Bachelor Ski Patrol, AirLink, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) deputies, and Sheriff Search and Rescue teams. Dispatchers also made voice contact with the reporting party and provided CPR instructions.
Ski patrol members reached the scene and took over care of the injured person. The patient, identified as Benjamin Shelkey, 34, of Seattle, was transported to the Mount Bachelor Clinic, where he later died from his injuries.
Shelkey was found unresponsive, buried headfirst in a tree well. Efforts by bystanders to free him lasted 15 to 20 minutes before CPR was initiated.
While the cause of death remains under investigation, initial circumstances suggest snow immersion suffocation, a condition that can occur when someone becomes trapped in deep snow.
Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp offered condolences to Shelkey's family, saying, “This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. We also want to recognize the swift response of those who assisted in this rescue effort. Tragedies like this remind us of the risks of outdoor recreation, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when venturing into deep snow conditions.”
Sheriff van der Kamp also thanked Deschutes County 911, Mount Bachelor Ski Patrol, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and AirLink for their professionalism and commitment to safety.
The DCSO continues to investigate the incident.
Press Release:
Deschutes County, Ore. – On March 17, 2025, at 3:04 p.m., Deschutes County 911 received an emergency SOS text message from an Apple device via satellite. The message reported a "trapped and injured person in steep terrain." GPS coordinates included in the message indicated the location was on the west side of Mount Bachelor. (43.9861 -121.7032)
911 dispatchers immediately dispatched Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, AirLink, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputies, and Sheriff Search and Rescue teams to the scene. Dispatchers also established voice contact with the reporting party and provided CPR and life-saving instructions.
Ski patrollers reached the reporting party and assumed patient care. Minutes later, the patient was transported to the Mt. Bachelor Clinic, where he succumbed to his injuries.
DCSO deputies identified the deceased as Benjamin Shelkey, 34, of Seattle, Washington. Investigators determined Shelkey was found unresponsive, buried headfirst in a tree well. Third parties at the scene worked for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to free him before beginning CPR.
While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, and the official cause of death has not yet been determined, the circumstances are consistent with snow immersion suffocation. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office urges outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when recreating in backcountry and resort areas, particularly in deep snow conditions.
Statement from Sheriff van der Kamp:
"On behalf of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Oregon community, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Benjamin Shelkey. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. We also want to recognize the swift response and dedication of all those citizens and ski patrollers who assisted in this rescue effort. Tragedies like this remind us of the risks of outdoor recreation, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when venturing into deep snow conditions."
We thank our partners—Deschutes County 911, Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and AirLink—for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
