An experienced mountain climber, Roscoe “Rocky” Shorey, fell to his death inside Mount St. Helens after having successfully climbed it nearly 30 times. His body was discovered 1,200 feet below the summit by a climbing group near the Monitor Ridge Climbing Route. Shorey’s belongings were found near the crater’s rim, and it is believed that he fell into the volcano while standing on a fractured snow cornice.
Rescuers from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and Yacolt, Washington, were airlifted to the volcano to retrieve Shorey’s body. After identifying him at Marble Mountain Sno-Park, officials confirmed that Shorey was an experienced mountain climber who had summited Mount St. Helens 28 times. His friend, Bret Barnum, described him as living life to the fullest with passion and intention.
Shorey lived in Washougal, Washington, and worked as a brand ambassador for Mountain House before his tragic death. The company praised him as a fearless adventurer with a joyful heart, boundless energy, and an optimistic attitude. He was known for his genuine Aloha spirit and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Mount St. Helens, a popular destination for both experienced and novice climbers, last erupted in 1980. The crater’s rim is 8,365 feet above sea level and takes an average climber seven to twelve hours to complete a round trip. While being on the rim is allowed, entry into the crater itself is strictly prohibited to prevent accidents such as this.
Friends and family of Shorey are mourning his loss, with Barnum describing him as more of a little brother than a friend. He remembers the adventurous spirit of Shorey, who lived life to the fullest and always sought new experiences. Mount St. Helens has seen tragedy before, with a climber from Kelso, Washington dying in 2010 after the cornice beneath him gave way while on the rim. The risk of climbing such a volcano is high, and experienced guides recommend caution to prevent further accidents.
