Missing Bend man rescued after getting stuck in snow SE of town

A Bend man missing for over a day was found in good condition Monday evening near China Hat Butte southeast of Bend, where his new pickup he’d taken for a Sunday drive had become stuck in deep snow, authorities said.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies and Sheriff’s Search and Rescue teams on foot and by ATV had searched all day Monday for Joshua Richardson, 39, assisted by Oregon State Police fish and wildlife troopers and U.S. Forest Service law enforcement, as well as an aerial search by Life Flight helicopter, said Sgts. Nathan Garibay and Ronny Dozier.

Around 7:30 p.m., the sheriff’s office got word that Richardson was stuck in the area north of China Hat Butte, off Forest Service Road 18, the sergeant said. Voice and text communication was made and officials learned Richardson had become stuck in deep snow.

Two OSP fish and wildlife troopers and a deputy responded to the area, Garibay and Dozier said. He was found to be in good condition and helped out of the area.

“The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for the information provided in our search for Mr. Richardson,” the updated news release said. “We would also like to acknowledge and thank our partners: Oregon State Police, United States Forest Service, and Life Flight.”

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind people that traveling on unmaintained forest service roads can be hazardous. We ask people to always tell someone where you are going, ensure your vehicle is properly equipped and prepared for winter conditions, and avoid back country travel alone.

Here is a list of essential items in case you get stranded:

* Extra food and water
* Warm clothing, blankets and/or a sleeping bag
* Flashlight and a headlamp
* Highway flares and light sticks
* Safety vest
* First aid kit
* Fire extinguisher
* Shovel
* Tools and booster/jumper cables
* Work gloves
* Maps and a compass/GPS

Richardson was due to return home by 11 a.m. Sunday, about two hours after he last was seen, but failed to do so, said Lt. Chad Davis.

Earlier in the day, his wife, Laura Richardson, told NewsChannel 21, “He’s the best dad and husband, and I just hope I get the chance to tell him that a thousand more times in person.”

The couple has been together for 13 years, and his wife said the disappearance was “completely out of character” for him.