DEATH INVESTIGATION AND RECOVERY ON SOUTH SISTER TRAIL
Location: South Sister trail, approximately 4.5 miles from Devil’s Lake Trailhead
Decedent: Tom Shakespeare, 63-year-old male, Portland, OR
On August 30, 2016, at 11:08am, 9-1-1 Dispatch received a call from hikers on the South Sister trail, who had located a male hiker (later determined to be Mr. Shakespeare) face down and unresponsive. The hikers immediately called 9-1-1 and began CPR. CPR efforts were not successful. Mr. Shakespeare was located approximately 4.5 miles in on the trail from Devil’s Lake Trailhead, at an elevation of about 8,417′. A trail maintenance technician arrived and agreed to remain with Mr. Shakespeare until Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office personnel arrived.
One DCSO Sergeant and two DCSO Deputies responded to investigate Mr. Shakespeare’s death, arriving at his location at 3:24pm. Fifteen DCSAR Volunteers also responded to assist in bringing Mr. Shakespeare down off of the mountain. Deputies and Volunteers arrived back at the Devil’s Lake Trailhead with Mr. Shakespeare at about 9:30pm.
Numerous hikers were contacted on the trail and although Mr. Shakespeare’s death does not appear to be suspicious, this is an ongoing investigation and anyone who may have come in contact with him on the trail or witnessed his death is encouraged to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Unit at 541-388-6501. Mr. Shakespeare’s family has been notified.
