Injured Climber Rescued at Smith Rock State Park

Deschutes Co. Sheriff's Office


On 08-16-19 at approximately 2:49 PM, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office responded to a call at the Smith Rock State Park for an injured climber. The climber was reported to have fallen in the Dihedrals climbing area inside the park.  One Deputy and ten Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue volunteers responded to the park along with Redmond Fire and Rescue and State Parks Staff.   

The climber, identified as Luke Wilson, 29 years old, Bishop, CA had fallen from the rock face.  He was eventually caught by his climbing protection, but swung hard into the wall impacting with enough force to cause significant injuries to one of his legs.  Wilson was wearing protective equipment and climbing with other climbers who were able to assist him until responders arrived.  Wilson was treated on scene by Redmond Fire and Rescue Paramedics and transported out on the trails by wheeled litter.  He was subsequently transported by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. 

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 four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today lead by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.


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