Mt. Bachelor extends condolences in tree-well tragedy that killed Seattle man, urges caution in recent deep snow
(Update: Resort issues statement; background on past incidents)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In the wake of Monday's tragic death of a Seattle man who fell into a deep tree well while skiing at Mt. Bachelor, the resort issued a statement offering condolences to his family and friends while reminding all on the slopes to practice heightened safety measures due to the recent deep snowfall.
Here is the statement provided Tuesday to KTVZ News:
"On behalf of our entire team at Mt. Bachelor, we extend our thoughts and condolences to Mr. (Brian) Shelkey’s family and friends as they navigate this difficult loss.
"We are immensely thankful to our Patrol team and Bend emergency first responders for their quick response and the medical assistance provided.
"We remind all our guests to take extra precautions when skiing and riding in deep snow conditions and familiarize themselves with safety best practices that can be found on our website," the resort's statement concluded.
Shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, Deschutes County 911 received an SOS text message from an Apple device via satellite, reporting a "trapped and injured person in steep terrain." The message, which included GPS coordinates, indicated the location was on the west side of Mount Bachelor.
In response, 911 dispatchers immediately activated the Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, AirLink, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office deputies, and Sheriff Search and Rescue teams. Dispatchers also made voice contact with the reporting party and provided CPR instructions.
Ski patrol members reached the scene and took over care of the injured person. The patient, identified as Benjamin Shelkey, 34, of Seattle, was transported to the Mt. Bachelor Clinic, where he later died from his injuries.
Shelkey was found unresponsive, buried head-first in a tree well. Efforts by bystanders to free him lasted 15 to 20 minutes before CPR was initiated.
While the cause of death remains under investigation, Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp said "initial circumstances suggest snow immersion suffocation, a condition that can occur when someone becomes trapped in deep snow."
Van der Kamp offered condolences to Shelkey's family, saying, “This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. We also want to recognize the swift response of those who assisted in this rescue effort. Tragedies like this remind us of the risks of outdoor recreation, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when venturing into deep snow conditions.”
Sheriff van der Kamp also thanked Deschutes County 911, Mount Bachelor Ski Patrol, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and AirLink for their professionalism and commitment to safety.
He said the DCSO continues to investigate the incident.
The resort frequently posts atop its daily mountain report on the website, as it had on Monday, the heightened danger of snow immersion suffocation and tree well risks after periods of heavy snow.
The resort website prominently highlighted those dangers around the website Tuesday. The mountain has received about six feet of snow in the past week.
Monday's tragic outcome was the sixth tree-well death at Mt. Bachelor in the past seven years and the seventh in the last 23 years.
In early March 2024, frequent Bend skier Robert Harrington died after falling into a tree well in the far West Bowls area off Northwest Express. A passing skier found him in the tree well and began life-saving efforts.
Press Release:
Deschutes County, Ore. – On March 17, 2025, at 3:04 p.m., Deschutes County 911 received an emergency SOS text message from an Apple device via satellite. The message reported a "trapped and injured person in steep terrain." GPS coordinates included in the message indicated the location was on the west side of Mount Bachelor. (43.9861 -121.7032)
911 dispatchers immediately dispatched Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, AirLink, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputies, and Sheriff Search and Rescue teams to the scene. Dispatchers also established voice contact with the reporting party and provided CPR and life-saving instructions.
Ski patrollers reached the reporting party and assumed patient care. Minutes later, the patient was transported to the Mt. Bachelor Clinic, where he succumbed to his injuries.
DCSO deputies identified the deceased as Benjamin Shelkey, 34, of Seattle, Washington. Investigators determined Shelkey was found unresponsive, buried headfirst in a tree well. Third parties at the scene worked for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to free him before beginning CPR.
While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, and the official cause of death has not yet been determined, the circumstances are consistent with snow immersion suffocation. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office urges outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when recreating in backcountry and resort areas, particularly in deep snow conditions.
Statement from Sheriff van der Kamp:
"On behalf of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Oregon community, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Benjamin Shelkey. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. We also want to recognize the swift response and dedication of all those citizens and ski patrollers who assisted in this rescue effort. Tragedies like this remind us of the risks of outdoor recreation, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when venturing into deep snow conditions."
We thank our partners—Deschutes County 911, Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and AirLink—for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
