An experienced 42-year-old mountain climber from Hawaii was found dead inside the crater of Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington State on Saturday, March 30. Roscoe “Rocky” Shorey’s body was discovered 1,200 feet below the summit by a group of climbers, inside the volcano’s crater after he attempted to snowboard down from the summit on March 29.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with a Yacolt, Washington, rescue team executed a meticulous recovery operation. The teams were airlifted to a nearby location and then trekked on foot to recover Shorey’s body, later identified at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park command center, roughly five miles from the accident site.
According to police reports, Shorey was on a fractured snow cornice, an unstable snow ledge, when it collapsed, causing him to fall into the crater below. The accident occurred near the Monitor Ridge Climbing Route, underscoring the unpredictable dangers of even well-traveled paths.
The Sheriff’s Office released a statement: “The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind climbers of the dangers warmer weather brings to the local mountain attractions.”
At 42, Shorey, originally from Hawaii, had settled in the Pacific Northwest, calling Washougal, Washington home. His past successful climbs of Mount St. Helens, totaling 28, attested to his expertise and passion for mountaineering. Beyond his personal adventures, Shorey contributed to the outdoor community as a brand ambassador for Mountain House, celebrated for his adventurous spirit and warm, genuine nature.
Close friend Bret Barnum reminisced about Shorey’s enthusiastic approach to life, emphasizing his adventurous spirit and the deep bond they shared. Shorey’s zest for life, according to Barnum, was evident in every journey they embarked on together, filled with passion and purpose.
Mount St. Helens, notorious for its 1980 eruption, continues to attract climbers with its challenging ascents and breathtaking views. The volcano’s rim, standing 8,365 feet above sea level, offers a demanding yet rewarding challenge, typically requiring seven to twelve hours for a round trip.
The loss of Roscoe “Rocky” Shorey resonates deeply within the climbing and outdoor communities, reflecting the void left by a man who lived his life with boundless energy and an unbridled passion for adventure.
