DCSO Search and Rescue teams find, help overdue cross-country skier west of Bend

(Update: DCSO releases details of rescue)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers found and helped an overdue cross-country skier who became separated from family members on trails near Virginia Meissner Sno-Park late Monday afternoon, deputies said.

Deschutes County 911 dispatchers got a call around 6:20 p.m. Monday regarding the overdue skier, a 48-year-old Petrolia, California woman who had been skiing with two family members and intended to go to the Nordeen Shelter, Sgt. Nathan Garibay said. She became separated from her party and last was seen around 4:20 p.m.

Two Special Services deputies and 10 SAR volunteers responded, Garibay said, and four ski teams began systematically searching trails in the area of the sno-park and shelter.

Shortly before 9:30 p.m., a caller reported hearing a female yelling in the area of the shelter. A ski team responded and made voice contact with the woman, eventually finding her by crossing a ravine to her location. Garibay said the overdue skier was in good condition and was able to ski back to the parking lot, arriving shortly after 11 p.m. to reunite with her family and needing no further assistance.

Garibay said, "The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind those recreating in our forests to take precautions, carrying (at a minimum): a cellphone and extra battery pack, extra layers of clothes, food, water, and a light source. You can find information on the 10 Essentials at www.deschutessearchandrescue.org."