An experienced mountain climber named Roscoe “Rocky” Shorey, who had successfully climbed Mount St. Helens nearly 30 times, was found dead inside the volcano after it is believed he fell to his death. His body was discovered 1,200 feet below the summit of the Washington State mountain by a climbing group exploring the area. The group had reached the summit and found Shorey’s belongings near the crater’s rim, leading them to discover his motionless body inside the volcano. Authorities were quickly contacted and began the process of retrieving his body from inside the volcano.
Rescuers from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and a rescue team from Yacolt, Wash. were airlifted to the volcano, where they descended by foot to retrieve Shorey’s body. Once recovered, his body was flown to the command center at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park, about five miles away, where he was identified as the experienced mountain climber who had summited Mount St. Helens 28 times prior to the tragic incident. Despite the tragic accident, Shorey was regarded as an experienced mountain climber who had been passionate about his adventures and climbs.
Following the news of Shorey’s death, his long-time friend Bret Barnum spoke with the media and shared fond memories of the avid climber. Barnum described Shorey as more of a little brother than a friend and emphasized the adventurous spirit Shorey possessed throughout his life. Shorey had lived in Washougal, Wash., and worked as a brand ambassador for Mountain House, a company that sells meals for survivalists and outdoor explorers which described him as a “fearless adventurer with an appetite for the outdoors almost as big as his joyful heart.” Shorey will be remembered for his energy, optimism, and Aloha spirit by those who knew him.
Mount St. Helens, the volcano where Shorey met his untimely death, is a popular destination for mountaineers, both new and experienced. The last eruption occurred in 1980, and its crater’s rim is 8,365 feet above sea level, taking climbers about seven to twelve hours to complete a round trip. While climbers are permitted on the rim of the crater, entry into the crater itself is prohibited by the US Forest Service. Tragically, incidents such as Shorey’s death have occurred in the past, with another climber from Kelso, WA, losing his life in 2010 after a cornice beneath him collapsed while on the rim of the volcano.
The tragic death of Roscoe “Rocky” Shorey serves as a reminder of the dangers and risks that come with mountain climbing and exploring active volcanoes. Despite being an experienced climber, accidents can still happen, leading to devastating outcomes for friends, family, and the climbing community. Shorey’s passion for climbing and outdoor adventures was evident in his numerous successful summits of Mount St. Helens, making his death a poignant loss for those who knew and admired him. As climbers continue to venture into the rugged terrain of mountains and volcanoes, safety precautions and awareness of the risks involved are crucial to prevent further tragedies like Shorey’s death.
