BACK COUNTRY HIKER/CAMPER

On 07/10/17, at about 5:11pm, 9-1-1 Dispatch received a call from Jeremiah Kurasz, who reported he was near South Matthieu Lake, having a medical problem and needed assistance. It is believed Kurasz was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail prior to his call to dispatch. Kurasz reported he had run out of food and could not get out of his tent due to his medical condition. South Matthieu Lake is approximately five miles south of the Lava Camp Trailhead, which is off of Hwy 242.

Lifeflight was contacted and assisted with an aerial search, but was unable to locate Kurasz. 10 Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Volunteers were deployed to hike in on foot to S. Matthieu Lake and attempt to locate Kurasz. Airlink joined the search and located Kurasz at approximately 8:55pm. DCSO SAR ground teams arrived at S. Matthieu Lake shortly afterward and assisted in walking Kurasz to the Airlink helicopter a short distance away. Airlink then transported Kurasz to St. Charles Hospital for further evaluation.

Kurasz was hiking/camping alone and was utilizing a cell phone which did not have GPS capabilities. He was fortunate to be located so quickly. 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 over night. 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.

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