Injured mountain biker rescued near Tumalo Falls

A 50-year-old Bend man was injured in a mountain bike crash near Tumalo Falls Thursday evening, prompting a rescue effort by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue.

Shortly before 7 p.m., sheriff’s office special service deputies were dispatched to the area to assist injured bike rider Jeff Hess, said Deputy Cliff Cox, assistant SAR coordinator.

Cox said it was learned that Jeff Hess was riding with two other riders when he lost control and crashed about a half-mile from the parking lot.

Hess was wearing a helmet, Cox said, and his fellow riders were able call 911 and provide accurate location information.

One sheriff’s deputy and 16 SAR Volunteers responded to the scene. Rescuers had to hike to the patient and reached him shortly after 8 p.m., Cox said.

Rescuers then packaged Hess into a wheeled litter and transported him to the parking lot, where he was turned over to Bend Fire Department paramedics.

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind our citizens of the importance of having proper gear including navigation and means of communication when recreating in the backcountry,” Cox said in a news release..