Deschutes SAR, helicopters rescue LA solo hiker

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and two air ambulance helicopter crews came to the aid Monday night of a Los Angeles man who said he was having a medical problem and needed help in the area of South Matthieu Lake, near the Cascade crest.

Dispatchers got a call shortly after 5 p.m. from Jeremiah Kurasz, 21, who apparently was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, said Lt. Bryan Husband, the sheriff’s office special services coordinator.

Kurasz told dispatchers he had run out of food and could not get out of his tent due to his medical condition.

South Matthieu Lake is about five miles south of the Lava Camp Trailhead, off state Highway 242, the McKenzie Pass Highway.

LIfe Flight was contacted and its helicopter helped in an aerial search, but was unable to locate Kurasz, Husband said.

Ten SAR volunteers were deployed to hike in to South Matthieu Lake and try to find Kurasz. AirLink joined the search and found him shortly before 9 p.m., the lieutenant said.

SAR ground teams arrived at the lake a short time later and helped Kurasz walk to the helicopter, a short distance away. AirLink flew him to St. Charles Bend for further evaluation.

Husband said Kurasz was hiking/camping alone and was using a cellphone without GPS capabilities.

“He was fortunate to be located so quickly,” Husband said in a news release, adding, “The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind those that recreate outdoors to prepare accordingly for your activity.

“Some considerations include proper clothing for day and night conditions in your environment, even if you do not expect to be out overnight. Ensure you have adequate water and food, topographical trail maps, extra batteries or charging options for phones or GPS units.

“Bring a light source and a signaling device. Seek out information regarding the area and what may be encountered, such as current and projected weather conditions as well as terrain in the area. Tell someone where you are going, what you will be taking with you and when you plan to return,” Husband said.

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office strongly encourages those recreating in the outdoors to do so with a partner(s) and not separate,” he added.