Body of hiker, 70, found in woods south of Sisters

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies searching for an overdue solo hiker in the Three Creeks Road area south of Sisters over the weekend found the 70-year-old Sisters man’s SUV and then his body, having apparently suffered a medical emergency, authorities said.

Deputies responded around 8:30 p.m. Saturday to the report of an overdue hiker from Sisters, said Lt. Chad Davis. James Holcomb’s family reported he had gone hiking in the area of Forest Service 1514 Road near the 980 Spur Road, about 10 miles south of Sisters, Davis said.

Holcomb was hiking alone, Davis said, but was prepared for the weather with the proper clothing, a charged cellphone and supplies for hiking in winter conditions. He was reported to be driving a red 1998 Mercedes SUV.

Deputies from the sheriff’s office Special Services Division were preparing for Search and Rescue units to begin a search when another deputy found Holcomb’s SUV on the 1514 Road at the 750 Spur Road, Davis said.

The deputy then drove up the 750 Spur Road, encountering a tree across the road. He continued on foot and found Holcomb’s body in the middle of the road. Holcomb had been dead for several hours at that time, Davis said.

A Forest Service law enforcement officer arrived on scene and cut the tree from the road, allowing access to Holcomb’s body.

Davis sand an investigation determined no foul play was involved and it appeared Holcomb suffered a medical emergency and died at the scene. The county Medical Examiner’s Office will assist in the investigation