Search and Rescue Crews Dispatched to Mt. Jefferson Wilderness for Missing Hiker

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Marion County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team is searching for 68-year-old John D. Nelson, a retired medical doctor, who was reported overdue last Tuesday after a hiking trip in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

Nelson and his longtime hiking partner of more than 40 years began their trip last Monday, July 6, 2026, from the Whitewater Trailhead. They camped overnight at Russell Lake. Nelson left Russell Lake alone at approximately 7:15 a.m. last Tuesday, July 7. He was reported overdue at approximately 12:00 p.m. that day when he failed to return as expected.

Nelson is described as six feet, 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a light blue button-down shirt, a blue jacket, blue jeans and athletic shoes. He was also carrying a light blue day pack.

Search efforts have continued each day in the rugged wilderness surrounding Russell Lake and nearby trail systems. Resources deployed include multiple ground search teams and numerous air assets. A Black Hawk helicopter from the Oregon Army National Guard is among the air assets assisting in the search.