Hiker Finds Remains of Hiker that was Missing 4 Years in 3 Sisters Wilderness, Oregon

[@elizabethingram9784]

After listening to a lot of these missing hiker stories, I’m convinced that a hiker needs to be very conscious of the “100 feet off the trail” situation. Take a ball of red yarn with you, tie it to a tree, then you’ll have a way to find the way back on to the trail in case you get disoriented and can’t find your way out. My .02 cents.

[@tag1462]

Agreed. Any type of trailmarking will do. If by chance you really do get lost atleast it will alert the SAR's teams to your general location making it easier to find you. This is not opinion but sound advice.

[@MGreen-vz6yb]

Will blue yarn work?

[@tag1462]

@@MGreen-vz6yb Nope, blue actually blends in.

[@tag1462]

@@MGreen-vz6yb Nope, not really. Blue tends to blend in with the greenery. However, during the fall and winter months blue will stand out.

[@patriciapasciuto9022]

Great idea!!!!!

[@teutonalex]

I hiked the Three Sisters loop early Sept 2010 during a nursing school break. The first days were a wonderful 68 degrees. When I awoke at the foot of the middle sister to continue south along the PCT it started raining, then snowing out of the blue. Nothing like this was in the forecast but bright, warm days. I kept going for a bit but eventually found myself in a full blown blizzard with no way to retreat back the way I had come. I checked my map and spent all day struggling through deepening snow following , losing and reacquiring a trail down from the central sister to the McKenzie highway campground where I camped for the night. Just as I dried out around midnight, completely exhausted, my open floor tent collapsed from the never ceasing snow. Luckily for me a crew came through the next morning took me along, saving me a 15 mile hike along the snowed in highway and even managed to pull my car out from the parking lot. Turns out a cold front from Canada had made a sudden, sharp turn and came straight south just as I left my house. I was still moderately experienced back then and if I hadn’t had all my navigation essentials I would’ve be in deeper trouble than I already was.

[@speez6106]

Blame it on Canada!

[@sleuththewild]

I recall that bit where you ran into the blizzard being extremely exposed. I also have done the Around the 3 Sisters backpack. It would not be unusual at all to get a blizzard there in September. Great that you had navigation essentials. The piece across the lava...the trail must have been buried; same with the west flank. Glad you made it out safely; but, boy, I can imagine it must have been scary and miserable. #sleuththewild

[@teutonalex]

@@sleuththewild yes exactly. The PCT section on the west side of the middle sister was especially hard to follow as everything is so flat there. The trail completely disappeared under the snow and visibility was down to maybe 50 feet or less. Sometimes in desperation I would go by compass because at least the pct there is aligned straight N/S.

[@sleuththewild]

@@teutonalex The 3 Sisters loop is a fantastic beginner's backpack.... And, yep, be prepared for weather, no matter the month. So glad you were!

[@randygunn9499]

Man you were very lucky!Thank God your alive today! I would probably never go camping again if that happened to me.so glad you made it

[@tenkmoseyh1648]

My mother disappeared during the L.A. Riots and I never found out what happened to her. God bless Jake's family and I'm glad that he was found.

[@saltpeter7429]

That is extremely heavy. My deepest sympathy.

[@kultofbunny]

Oh how awful!! I lived in Hollywood during the riots. I never heard about anyone disappearing. I hope one day soon you find closure!!

[@tessaducek5601]

I lived in Temple City. Very chaotic time. I am sorry . 😥

[@missshroom5512]

I’m sorry😔

[@thegreencat9947]

It was a very scary time. I lived close by. Never heard about anything other than the stuff the media put out. I am so very sorry and hurt to here this. Bless you.

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

Just because he was young doesn't mean that he didn't have a cardiovascular event. RIP Jake.

[@LifesPeachy321]

Very true! When I was in collage an acquaintance of mine, I don't want to say friend even though we were familiar with each from talking in class and just from seeing each around campus. Anyway, he jogged every day and one day while jogging he had a heart attack...it was shocking and he was so young. I'm 60 now, and I still remember it because of the shock value!

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

@@LifesPeachy321 Yes,my girlfriend's husband was sitting on the side of their bed one morning drinking juice when an an undiagnosed aortic aneurysm ruptured. He died instantly. He was in his late 30s and had a healthy lifesyle.

[@disappeared9673]

So true!! Kids have heart attacks all the time. And strokes! I saw it on a bus ad. Very normal!

[@DA-bp8lf]

I think we would’ve been told in the story if heart disease ran in his family? Because there was no mention of this, iam assuming it wasn’t a consideration? You are right though, cardiovascular disease can kill seemingly healthy young people.

[@NCAdventuress]

@@DovieRuthAuthor Aortic aneurysms are very hard to treat. 30 is so young. My sympathies.

[@hiker4life4020]

Just a thought that might help... Perhaps hikers can leave a note on their dashboard showing date they started out PLUS the date they intend to return. 🤷‍♀️

[@Robnord1]

It's often better to leave a note with phone number for a friend/relative (who knows your trip plan) in the window. Leaving date of return lets vandals know how long they have to strip your car.

[@hiker4life4020]

@@Robnord1 good point. I have hiked for years & never had that happen but these days...good idea.

[@wncjan]

Apprarently in this case he didn't for some reason want anyone to know exactly when and where he was going.

[@tailgunnerhikes4703]

Unfortunately, such information can be useful to those looking to break into a vehicle.

[@KatWoman_]

Well done, Bryan. Feeling a lot of things. I am solitary and I am on road trips and camp 6 months/year. Time to get an InReach, I know. You have really brought that home to me. The majority of time nobody would ever know I was missing until 6 or so weeks later. I get a lot of, “Where are you now?” I only do day hikes in areas that are not risky. I have had National Forest look for me and a friend that had a medical event when we were an hour overdue. But then they get rotten tomatoes for not searching for me when a friend on the opposite coast wanted a search done when I got pulmonary edema from elevation sickness and could not get myself to lower elevation for a week. Many may disagree with the following. As a nurse, all in all, I rather perish in nature surrounded by beauty and sustaining the wild animals that I love so then in a fetal position bed-bound being fed puréed food and not able to use the toilet. There are many kinds of long-term suffering besides this extreme example. Even lingering injured for a week in the woods may be easier than the fates of most in civilization. I am very sorry for his family. I, too, think a fall or arrhythmia. A lot of lessons here.

[@karinbergman1646]

I've gone off alone hiking, boating, on road trips, without telling anyone many a time. I'd never heard of an "in reach" before, but I'm older now and disabled so my worries have changed. I agree with rather being in nature. Hospital is no fun; experienced recovering for 2 years in nursing home, unable to walk! I was so happy I'd hiked Yosemite Falls, Grand Canyon, and the Alps earlier in my days!

[@KatWoman_]

Bob Thank you! Yes, I have done a little research since and believe I will buy the InReach in a few months on an unlimited annual plan.

[@no_peace]

Are you a traveling nurse? Do you contract part of the year and take the rest off? Or camp while you work? Sorry for so many questions I just always wonder about the jobs people find to support a mobile lifestyle. I just left a job i hated

[@KatWoman_]

no peace Yes, I am a travel nurse. I work for 13 weeks and take the agency housing. Then I take 2-3 months off and camp.

[@changeintheair9648]

A year ago, at 59 (female),I was out walking late at night during winter. Slipped on ice, broke my leg including ankle, 3 broken fingers (tried to brace my fall). It took 3 tries to finally get back up on my feet using both hands - one with broken fingers.I was able to walk/hobble back to home (adrenaline I suspect) before getting medical help. Had no phone with me and so late so neighbors asleep. I went several hundred feet. 100 ft is not that far even to drag yourself to main trail.

[@hushingsilence]

Hi Bryan. Not sure if you heard, but they finally located the remains of Bill Ewasco, lost in Joshua Tree California in 2010. The location where he was found, was 38 +/- miles away from his car parked at Juniper Flats. Very strange. I'm sure you have heard this update already, but....Want to pass the info on. You are an amazing man, and do such wonderful work. xo

[@RaoulThomas007]

The location of the find was described as odd, with Tom Mahood, who had previously searched for Bill without success saying, "it's a really odd area for him to have been in, and I can't fathom what he was thinking." *StrangeOutdoors*

[@hushingsilence]

@@RaoulThomas007 He was found on the Panorama Loop Trail, starting at Black Rock campground.Not Quail Mtn where the search was concentrated. Black Rock has a different entrance into the park than Juniper Flats and the Quail Mtn... 29 Palms entrance vs the West Entrance (I think)

[@hushingsilence]

@@adambartlett114 Very good advice. Yes! The moment you think you are lost STOP. and STAY. And da*m well have your 10 essentials and more with you. Bill Ewasco was experienced, and had been to Joshua Tree before. ... But SAR (Search and Rescue) is compiling a list of how lost people behave, and they have found,(No surprise) it's often the experienced hikers who get lost. They are sure they can make it out.. Because they are experienced.

[@hushingsilence]

Bryan did an extremely well research video on Ewasko. Extremely well done. Look it up if you haven't seen it. BTW Bryan, I didn't mean to hijack this video about the lost hiker in Oregon, family and friends....

[@johnganshow5536]

Thanks for that update, I hadn't heard that, 38 miles away from his car. Wow...

[@crystalphillips696]

This sounds just like my brother he is always going hiking and never tells anyone. Well how he used to be before he started getting ill. Bless Jake's soul and may he rest in peace.

[@shonnao7272]

It's to bad he hadn't informed others of his plans therefore the search for him not taking place for weeks after his last being seen. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Also. Bryan, great find. I follow on as many missing people cases as I can and have not heard of this one. Keep up the great job and hard work. Hope you're feeling better. God bless ❤

[@janefreeman995]

I'm in Sisters relatively a few miles from there. It's beautiful with mountains all around. It is a destination area for hikers and so the number of people injured or missing might reflect that. We really can't put too much expectation on the NF Rangers especially now because the National Forests were defunded in 2018 by basically half then the Great Outdoors Act 2020 put a bandaid on it so there is a deficit for NF budgeting ....we have millions of acres being monitored by a relative handful of officials. This change of funds is even more reason to be pro-active about safety. That said, this area is near the Obsidian Trail that is protected. It was the only place on the PCT where I was asked for my permit by a ranger.

[@NCAdventuress]

Yes, funding for NF Rangers and for National Park Rangers and for the necessary maintenance is constantly being cut. I live on The Blue Ridge Parkway in Western NC and talk with the rangers. It breaks my heart that our gov't doesn't value our incredibly beautiful natural areas. I and folks in our little resort town routinely pick up trash along the 4 miles of the BRP going thru our town. I also often will throw tree debris off the shoulders and grassy areas as others do too before the few times the grass is cut every season.

[@DixieNormus_007]

lmagine needing a permit to walk on earth. The U.S is feeling more and more like Russia each day..

[@janjohannessmith7033]

Thanks for your service Jake, you are not forgotten! Jakey !Forever in our hearts and memories.

[@wildmountainthyme4123]

Thank you so much for covering Jake's case in such a compassionate, caring manner. It is a heartbreaking story and my condolences go out to his loved ones.

[@elizabethperez5694]

Oh, gosh, Bryan, what a sad story in so many ways. Thank you for your respect for the people in your stories. And thank you for all the great advice on how to prevent these tragedies.

[@sewmorelove]

I live (and camp in Central Oregon) and don’t live too far from this area. Weather in June can be volatile here in the mountains. I typically schedule these types of trips in July through August. It is not uncommon to get snow on the Fourth of July. Interesting story and always sad when people lose their lives in this beautiful part of the world.

[@Laurengb47]

I’m 74 years old. When I go hiking or kayaking I tell a family member where I’m going and when I’ll be home. When I’m home I send a text.

[@jennyray1476]

Me too I do the same

[@janewolf4541]

Yes, Byran. This is truly a sad story. I am glad that the hiker at least found him, so that the family can rest easier. Thank you again.

[@sarahdawn7075]

I find it odd that his remains were found so intact after 4 years in the wilderness. I would think his remains would be scattered by wildlife. God bless him and peace to his loved ones.

[@Paiute023]

He’s body was dumped at the location where he was found.

[@kwahu1519]

@@Paiute023 Factz Bryan thinks he died of a broken ankle 😂

[@DixieNormus_007]

That wilderness is void of wildlife. But in that time period you would think a bear would have found him.

[@frankjones3671]

Snow can wills comes at anytime,July's 4 ths !! No surprise 4 natives there s !! But out Towner's look out s !! Okays !! Stay safe out there's!! Watch out altitudes sickness's thank you

[@mendagy]

His poor family! I can't help but feel their frustration & desperate pleadings to help find their boy! But you're so right: it is a situation that, with a little more foresight & cooperation from BOTH sides, the outcome might have been very different. Also, I know how very grateful his family must have been to be able to finally bring their son home. A truly sad ending to a preventable tale. As always, I enjoy listening to your narrations so much - it's almost as if sitting down to have a conversation with a friend! I hope you never change!! ☺️

[@GEOMETRICINK]

I love the way you narrate these stories. The way you speak has this lovely, authentic, quality.

[@paintbrush42]

Bryan, Insomnia is so hard but these stories would work on a sensitive soul like you. I know if I know of a worrisome crime or sad one my mind will not give up on it, it just keeps thinking about it and trying to figure it out. Much as I enjoy your stories and look forward to them I hope you can have a change of scene and refresh your mind. On a different note after watching several of these of people hiking alone I found that a dear friend, a young girl, would periodically hike with her little dog alone in the Bighorn mountains near here. I begged her to not go alone, at least get one of the tracking devices. I asked her why she went alone and she said it's too hard to arrange other people to go with you and she does enjoy the solitude. I get that but she 's taking a chance.

[@kriscanan7232]

I would think skeletal injury would have been visible but soft tissue injury like a bad laceration that would cause someone to bleed, a sever bruising that could have caused a clot that resulted in heart attack or stroke, or snake bite but I would think whatever happened would have been quick considering his supply's and things were near him.

[@bobzelley5100]

Mice and other rodents eat the bones quickly . I have kept box's for decomposing of animals to recover the bones to assemble the skeleton in a jr. High class room .

[@IndigoCave28]

I agree.

[@audibjornsson6107]

I don't care how experienced you are accidents happen. Carry locator devices and extra survival gear.

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

Thank you Bryan for sharing this story with us. I'm sorry for his family and friends but, I thank God that his family now has closure. Rest in Peace "Jake".

[@Iwishtheirwasnopain]

What an interesting and unique fellow, how sad this is.

[@elkefaber8873]

They found his campimg gear in his appartement, so he was on a daytrip. Maybe he was looking for a campsite to go with his nephew and was not prepared at all.

[@critters16]

I really appreciate you and your channel. It's so nice to hear someone that is sympathetic and caring discussing these cases. Thank you!

[@ladycat4485]

Thank you for making these videos and taking the time to share these stories with us. It is important and I really appreciate it and you. I try to keep these folks in my prayers. I live here in Oregon and I have been to the Sisters wilderness area and I agree that it is very rugged and even treacherous to try to survive without provisions/shelter etc. 🙂🙏

[@aloberdorf4579]

Listening to this..a thought occurred to me...that anaphylaxis has never been mentioned as a possible cause of distress. Bees/Hornets...plants such as Devils Club, even Cedar, snack foods containing allergins and such, even lack of beer.......all can trigger reactions . Many questions, perhaps this is worth consideration also.

[@crescentmoonchild4031]

So very true and a good possibility

[@alienslovebeef2540]

Lack of beer???🍺

[@aloberdorf4579]

@@alienslovebeef2540 I get grouchy and snappy.....and a Bad Attitude when lacking Barley Pop.....And my Wife of 50 Years?.....don't even think of it !! LMAO !! And yes, I am Sane (KInda), but my give a damn button seems to be stuck about half the time. LOL !! Actually is quite beneficial use judiciously, and you do not have to look for papers or a lighter, and make a good book quite enjoyable. I might be fat, but they are ugly....and I can diet. LOL !

[@kissedbysun2517]

I think this definitely accounts for a reasonable percentage of cases

[@prarieborn6458]

@@alienslovebeef2540i. lack of beer. aka alcohol dependent to some degree….not necessicarily what happened to Jake, however, as a Nurse, i witnessed several patients who did fine after surgery for a day or two before alcohol withrdrawal symptoms set in. i was a new grad in the mid 1960’s, when they kept patients in the hospital longer after major surgery. There was one surgeon who would order 10% alcohol IV’s post op. and his patients never developed full blown DT’s. Unfortunately other patients did. and no amount of traditional sedative medicatiions helped much. I learned by asking discreet questions, of older Nurses, that these patients had not told their surgeons that they were regular drinkers. aka ‘discreet alcoholics.” Of course, that was all long ago . Today there are treatment programs for alcohol de-tox. Sudden , or ‘cold turkey” withdrawal is dangerous and can be fatal without medical supervision.

[@vickeyefremidis9234]

Very sad for Jake and his family. Thank you ✨

[@FinnishLapphund]

I think even experienced hikers can get blinded by what pilots call get-there-itis, mountaineers can get summit fever, and so on. But either way, 100 feet. The converter I used said that's only a bit over 30 metres. On some trails, that's barely to have gone off the trail! Poor man, and his poor family, so close, yet, the nature around him concealed him for 4 years. Whatever it was that happened to him, I hope it happened fast.

[@JLCrusin]

Daming Yu disappeared on the same trail a few years earlier. There's lots of places off of Forest Rd 19 you could park and be hidden, short spur roads that are rarely traveled.

[@ArtByKarenEHaley]

Agreed, he could have parked in an area that could have been obscured from the main road. The side roads are all over the place

[@memomorph5375]

You’re right. Do you think there’s a serial in the area?

[@prarieborn6458]

@@memomorph5375Just my opinion, but I have heard so much about serial predators in National Parks. esp Appalalachian Trail, it is reasonable to expect that there are 2 legged “Feral’ predators, drop -outs from society, hiding from the Law, in the desert too.

[@easygoer1234]

You have great attention to detail. If I ever were to get lost in the wilderness I would hope someone like you would be in charge of the search for me.

[@carolbergh379]

Very respectful and caring in the way you told this story! God bless you!❤RIP Jake

[@kazamareenkurios8197]

God rest his soul, whatever happened, I hope it was quick & he didn't suffer. On an aside, you sound so much clearer! Hopefully, the insomnia has lessened & you're getting better rest! I battle w/it too & always keep Aspirin PM or something w/an antihistamine in it nearby which helps when/if it gets bad (per my Dr. recommendation & in lieu of something like Ambien).

[@michele21auntiem]

Yeah i use melatonin. Insomnia is awful.

[@fayc1804]

The Rangers may have been on rotating schedules. I remember several years ago hearing a story about a Walmart employee finding a man dead in his car in the parking lot. On his day to collect the carts from the lot, he saw a man sleeping in a car. Because they were on a rotating schedule to collect the carts, his turn came again 7 or 8 days later and that's when he saw the same man in the same car still asleep and realized the man was dead. The others in rotation had seen the man only one time because their next time hadn't come yet. So maybe the Rangers were on a rotating schedule and no Ranger had gone through there twice yet and didn't realize how long the car had been sitting there.

[@Irnbru4ever]

Love, love love this channel, I am binging on your videos. Thank you Bryan... I am watching this on KZbin from Scotland UK. I lived in the USA for 20yrs and I miss being there, but watching your channel brings some comfort. I wish I had spent more time visiting some of those National Parks. Your commitment to sharing all these videos is gratefully appreciated. I hope and pray that many of these cases are solved in the future because I am sure that they left loved ones who need closure. Thank you again, I am looking forward to future videos. Take care and be safe in this uncertain world ❤

[@calij586]

I am from Southern California and my brother is backpacking Scotland right now!

[@Irnbru4ever]

@@calij586 Weather is unpredictable as always, 16C three days ago, 5C yesterday.... I hope be has packed his warm clothes. Scotland is amazing if you can forgive the climate and there is plenty to see and lots to do. I hope your brother enjoys his trip here

[@mickyharries7648]

Thank you Bryan. This is a very sad story! Never hike alone always go with a buddy. If you cant find one join a hiking club! Prevent the possible grief for yourself and your love ones.

[@TheStormyReport]

If he had broken an ankle or another bone, the ME would’ve seen this. According to your report, no injuries like this were present. Sad story. RIP

[@aricksundberg5546]

I live in the Mckenzie river valley. It's very beautiful, very remote, help/ems/sherriffs are hours away depending. Out this far you learn that small mistakes can be fatal. It happens so quick and there is no coming back from it. Great channel. Thank you for sharing.

[@michele21auntiem]

As a physical therapist he would have gotten himself to the trail if he were at all able. But we will never know.

[@jontooke846]

Love your stories and facts and pictures. Thank you.

[@michiganwifey99]

I could listen /watch a video of yours every day! ❤️ this channel. Keep up the great work on these ppl's stories. ✌️❤️

[@cleolathompson3387]

Bryan and friends this story is sooo tragic. It's so hard to believe that his truck sat there so long without being tagged. What happened to cars passing and not reporting this truck sitting in the same spot so long. My condolences goes out to the family but they too took so long to report him missing. This is a case to learn from. If you can't get the person on the phone, that's the time to start looking. He could just have been hurt and needing to be rescued. So many things went wrong in this case. I'm glad you are always saying that people should always tell someone where they are going. So many things went wrong and unnoticed. Thank God, the family can have closure in spite of the end results. 🙏

[@glennwoolum9457]

Yes, it's sad. It's painful to think that someone can perish with no clue what may have happened.

[@thanebrown5717]

The things i thought of when i saw this story are 1) certainly someone checked to see if he was allergic to bees i hope and 2) what about a great basin or northern pacific rattler? Its almost like he went off trail to dig/use a cat-hole and surprised a rattlesnake or something. Granted, rarely death from rattlesnake, but the great basin rattler also has a neurotoxin which after only a few minutes could disorient a hiker. Thank you for doing what you do ..i think when people see your vids they are less likely to make disastrous mistakes on trail

[@j5long]

There are no poisonous snakes in this area. Lots of cougar, bear, and sasquatch.

[@cindyferguson8855]

Greetings.... from the Western North Carolina Mountains...! You have a wonderful voice....full of compassion, expressive tone, and clearly understandable. So many stories....and so many people....I'm not sure how you do such great investigative research...! Have enjoyed listening since discovering your podcast a few months ago.....and feel fortunate for having done so. Keep up the great story telling....and know that your work is appreciated by many, many people...!

[@stephaniesmith5974]

Even tho he was young, is there a chance he could have had a heart attack, a stroke, an aneurism? That was really inept that after all those weeks his car sat there and forest Rangers never reported it. Ty for another heartfelt video. Ur so kind to bring this to light.

[@j.khuster2024]

He was too Arrogantly proud (aka too stupid) to tell anyone what he was up to. You all ain't invincible. Shit happens. Swallow your pride, use common sense and be prepared for the worst scenarios.

[@jockkinne2768]

my reading said he was 100 yards off trail- maybe running from a 'threat'?

[@kissedbysun2517]

​@@j.khuster2024or maybe he didn't care if they knew, or thought they wouldn't care. From the information provided it doesn't seem as if he kept in close or regular contact with his family. He was gone a long time before they went looking for him.

[@reginarobinson2080]

​@@jockkinne2768 mountaineer edict states use the restroom 100ft off trail, if going#2 dig a cat hole 6 to 8 inches deep, #1 urinate on rocks to prevent disruption of plants due to animals uprooting them for the salt. But why he had a shirt off is weird.

[@lisamcfatter9234]

Just want to say love your videos! You do a great job.

[@whitebeardskydaddy6756]

Sorrow for this young man, and his loved ones. Truly.

[@rogerdavis7423]

Dude, I'm with you. The compassion you employ is exemplary. We all feel you.

[@tessaducek5601]

People should always inform someone of their plans. Just in case. We don't think something will happen to us. But even a short trip to the grocery store could be our last. Leave a note on the table for those searching. Poor guy.

[@jacobgonzales2475]

Very good, what I mean is the story was very murch in depth. I hope that all the people in the story are found..

[@louleebelle6164]

I know this area and its very dense. Ferns 7 feet tall. Dense forrest. This is very sad. This wilderness has squatters and mountain men. Etc. Hopefully he didnt eat a poisonous mushroom. Lots of those, also I wouldnt rule out fool play. Very sad story. Good they found his remains.

[@jockkinne2768]

could have been a 'skookum': a mountain devil...there's alot of activity along this corridor on the East side of the Cascades, especially going North toward the Jefferson Wilderness

[@broadpath]

Thank you for your respect to the Coast Guard. I am sorry for the loss of this Coastie.

[@lauriegreenwood8946]

He could have had a Heart attack, aneurysm, or stroke.

[@j.khuster2024]

Yeah but nobody could've ever known because he wanted to be all alone. He should've been more humble...

[@kwahu1519]

@@j.khuster2024 maybe u should be more humble

[@Zis4Zorro]

I hadn't heard of this one! Thank you for your coverage!

[@bugsybird8619]

I agree the truck not being noticed was strange. Very sad 😔.

[@jodylarson4697]

This is an odd one! Because of his secretive nature, we don't know exactly when he started on the trail. It might have been June 15, or earlier, or later. We don't know what he was carrying. 4 miles from the trailhead and 100 yards off the trail--he could have gotten there in the first day. Maybe he got turned around and couldn't find the way back to the trail. This happens even to experienced hikers. I think hypothermia is likely because 40 degrees is plenty cold enough. And he took off his shirt at some point, which sometimes people suffering from hypothermia do--they feel as though they are hot. I think if he had been attacked by a bear, there would have been evidence. I don't blame the Forest Service officials because they have no idea when someone is missing until they are told. They can't monitor everyone who comes through, and a lot of people don't bother to check in when they return.

[@dustinrogers5384]

He had a permit and his car was left at the trailhead literally to monitor the trail.

[@jodylarson4697]

@@dustinrogers5384 I know he had a permit. But there is nothing to indicate he actually entered the trail June 15--no communication with others about his plans or activities.

[@bradleysmall2230]

drug deal gone bad

[@jodylarson4697]

@@bradleysmall2230 Could be, but no evidence.

[@bradleysmall2230]

@@jodylarson4697 mexico does not send there best some are good, some are murderrs ropists and fentannel activistes- trump 2024

[@skatpak2967]

weird how they can say what happened to ppl thousands of years ago..but not 4 yrs ago...sad prayers for the family

[@annamichaelsdottir5834]

God bless him and his family.

[@iinathaniii2]

As an Oregonian there's a lot of abandoned/homeless/stolen vehicles that sit in places a long time so it's not surprising the truck didnt tip anybody off

[@mariarandolph8402]

Young folks suffer surprise heart attacks and such. Love your channel.

[@abayless3816]

Never go alone.

[@shannonkennedy7528]

Hi Bryan! I listened to this video with interest. I am thinking that nobody is responsible for Jake's death. As there was no evidence of trauma and he was so close to both the track itself and the trailhead, I am wondering if he had a medical crisis. He could have had a heart attack. He was young but even fit young blokes have undiagnosed heart disease that kills them suddenly and without warning. Admittedly, there are a lot of "if onlies." Jake's death is a terrible loss for his family and friends. Perhaps because there were so many things that might have been done that could possibly have prevented his death or resulted in his body being found much earlier, other adventurous souls will take heed and excercise extra caution in both the planning and actual carrying out of this type of excursion. Additionally, rangers and other personnel working in wild country might be a little more aware of vehicles that either overstay or are tucked away in unusual or lonely places. The only good thing out of this is that Jake's family did receive his remains and were able to farewell him with a proper funeral and internment. They were at least able to have that modicum of resolution. It is unlikely that they will have "closure." That is a word I dislike, especially when applied to sudden, unexplained, unexpected or violent deaths or similar disappearances. All who knew him, will carry Jake's memory in their hearts all of their days. As long as someone remembers him, Jake's life will remain open. And that is, to my thinking, as it should be. Rest in Peace mate.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

It wasn't the authorities' fault. You can't expect someone to see your truck and know that you are lost in the woods. It was the hiker's responsibility to let someone know where he was going, and when, and when he expected to return. By the time he was reported missing, it's safe to say he had already passed. I feel bad for the family, but that doesn't make it the rangers' fault.

[@TrimansWife]

Not their fault but they certainly didn’t help. They are usually always aware of permit dates and parked vehicles.

[@yicub4347]

Wow beautiful footage however very sad case my condolences to the family

[@saintjackula9615]

Being that close to trail, on a hillside, gives me the impression he was suddenly disoriented, either through darkeness, inclement weather, or both. It is as if he sat on the hillside to wait until he could see better and it got so cold that he dozed off/succumbed to hypothermia. This is the most likely explanation, I feel, given his age and background and assumed health.

[@wncjan]

That or a heart attack. Even young and completely healthy and fit people can get a heart attack withoutvanybwarning symptoms.

[@SandyzSerious]

Thank you.

[@christianeaster2776]

It's possible he sat down for a snack and choked. That after 4 years would have left no trace.

[@kissedbysun2517]

I think many of these cases are probably something mundane like choking, bee sting, etc. Not as mysterious as they seem

[@larrywakeman4371]

So true that Dave Paulides make it seem like every little thing is some odd mystery- 'OH he is by water, oh he is by rocks, oh he is smart-very strange he disappeared....' well I mean water and rocks are all over everywhere! Many people are smart, that doesn't mean some emergency outdoors won't kill a person- or a bear or wild animals like a mountain lion!@@kissedbysun2517

[@keeliekalayidol8876]

Only recently have I crossed paths with your channel, and very glad that I have. So my theory is late on this one as I've been binge watching your content for a week 😊. I can't help but wonder if the bear sprays, even after 4 years had passed, were tested to see if any spray was left in either or both cans. I keep picturing that Jake may have encountered either a bear OR cougar and had used the spray effectively as he had no injuries to his bones to suggest animal attacks. But possibly startled in the commotion and while running away or rushing backwards hit his head hard enough to lapse into a coma and essentially passed away from malnourishment while out of it? I would think if Jake sustained a broken ankle or leg that at least would've shown in the autopsy. Or as healthy as he was he could've had, even unknown to himself an underlying heart condition and had a heart attack while hiking. And lastly it's possible he ate something bad and was accidentally poisoned. I've hiked various spots in Oregon but never this area. I'm sure he was educated enough not to but possibly have eaten something poisonous that he thought was safe. Just glad the hiker found him 🧡 P.S. Hope you're doing well Bryan from your unfortunate lyme disease. It must be difficult going through the rollercoaster of physical and emotional pains and struggles. Wishing you as full a recovery as possible ✌🙃

[@avgrim7729]

Yes it rains here frequently sometimes constantly with few breaks in Portland area from October/November to May/June depending on the year. It's just like Seattle.

[@natureswildplayground]

Wow he was so close and young as well my thoughts go out to all of his friends and family

[@vsetix__4919]

Me and my cousin nearly got lost on an overgrown trail once and i fully understand how easy it is to get lost.

[@sheree4976]

Thank you for sharing. Maybe it will save just one next time. ❤

[@sleuththewild]

It sounds as though there’s an expectation that rangers would be keeping track of permit holders and visitors to the trailhead. 1. They cover hundreds of square miles; 2. It’s very likely there was snow on the ground in June, and not popular, so it would be a low priority; it used to be you’d fill out the permit at the iron ranger at the trailhead, put a copy in the slot, and the tag on your backpack-it’s not like hikers are kept track of at a ranger stayion.

[@kterhune100]

I live in Eugene and YES... it's super easy to get lost in the forest if there is no clear trail. I went up camping near Three Sisters/ Bend area A LOT and it can get pretty dense pretty quickly. And you are CORRECT with the odd weather we have here in Oregon. It is sorta sunny but also REALLY cold at night still, not to mention the fact that it changes on a dime the higher you go up (obviously). I've been camping and it has went from sunny 70 degrees, to rain then hail all within 10 minutes to an inch of hail stuck to the ground the net morning right back to sunny that melted the hail

[@lisawilliams2406]

Possibly a bite of some kind. It's so sad. My prayers are with his family. 🙏

[@mark2tech]

A human cadaver 100 feet from trail? The smell of the decomposing body had to be very obvious to hikers passing by that trail.

[@randallreid424]

I was wondering about what the smell must’ve been like myself and it’s a very very powerful smell that carries a good distance, how does the smell not lead to more findings, that was a great thought thank you

[@DesignRhythm]

A 100ft is pretty far away and this isn't a super popular area. The trail could be upwind and no one would notice.. or even if they did, most people wouldn't investigate a nasty smell in the woods, they would just keep moving.

[@juanaction2715]

Nice one again Bryan. Such good advice. Just got my Garmin iReach GPS for mountain motobike camping. Thanks man.

[@cajuncustomizedexcursions7064]

Such a tragic story. God bless him🙏

[@desert_moon]

Three Sisters is on the Santiam Pass. One of my favorite drives!! Beautiful country but easy to get lost out there.

[@victoriakleber1397]

So sad. Maybe hearing this story will save someone else. RIP Jake.

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

There are hundreds of missing persons in the US. Sometimes, it's not animals, or not getting lost - - - it's something else. There are strange things happening in this world, and lots we know nothing about.

[@j5long]

This area is full of hazards that alot of people don't consider before going out. The fact that they couldn't find his body 100' from the trail doesn't surprise me. I have been 40' off the trail and couldn't find it due to visibility. I'm getting ready to do a week long trip at the end of the month.

[@annelbeab8124]

Are you safely back?

[@karenv5103]

Imagine how stressful it was for his family to not know where he was

[@janjohannessmith7033]

Breaks my heart also, fit young trained man loses his life in the wilderness. So sad and what a waste of a young life. When I watch these videos I feel tears in my eyes. That's why I stay in the city and just minister to the less fortunate. And then I go to the wilderness to clear my head. No search team will ever have to look for me I play it safe.

[@larrykaufman8100]

Prayers for the family.!

[@kaylee4394]

I’m sorry for the Trauma but I was glad that he found a person

[@stephaniemcbroom9615]

I think with his background.. meaning he knew how to survive not to mention determination he seem to be very experienced...even if injured he would have pulled and crawled to where someone could see him..so my point is this was something quick like heart attack something that he could not control....that's what I think just my opinion.anywau thanks so much and as always great work..thanks for all you do ..my sincere condolences to his family and friends.....

[@glittergrl71]

How sad. Feels like the park rangers didn’t do their job or they’d have noticed the truck. I think he was hurt. Terrible he was so close amd no one found him

[@gregbors8364]

By the time that authorities were notified of his disappearance by his family (3 & 1/2 weeks later), he was already dead. Sad but true. BTW, it’s not a park, it’s a wilderness, and Oregon has many thousands of square miles of wilderness areas with only a few hundred rangers tasked to patrol all of them

[@MoonlightGrahamCracker]

The timeline is certainly unusual; last seen June 3 the date he picked up his French Pete’s hiking permit for June 16-18 (I assume last seen by the USFS employee) then no one spoke with him or saw him after? No one where he lives, worked, no family, no ATM use, credit card use, etc…? And when he didn’t show up to pick up his nephew on June 28, his brother didn’t report him missing until July 9? Who was he reported missing to? I would assume Eugene Police since that was where he lived and there would be no reason at that point to think he disappeared in Three Sisters as the fact he got that backcountry permit wouldn’t be known at that point and likely wasn’t known until his vehicle was found at a trailhead in the DNF on July 30. People not from Oregon (and even some Oregonians) don’t understand the number of BLM and USFS roads and the desolation. The National Forests frequently have only a few “patrol” type rangers, BLM even less, and unlike National Parks, most National Forests and BLM land is not exclusive federal jurisdiction but rather covered by the county for primary law enforcement. We are talking millions of acres with hundreds of roads. Willamette National Forest, where the trailhead is located, is 1.6 million acres and Deschuttes National Forest which houses most of the Three Sisters Wilderness, is almost 2 million. I know both have only a few tiny ranger stations. So the idea a bunch of Forest Rangers were driving by his truck is highly unlikely, there just aren’t a “bunch of Rangers”. The point you show on the map is where Aufderheide Dr starts; the articles I’ve read says his truck was parked at the trailhead which is way, way south of there. Way back in there. If anyone from the USFS would have seen his truck at the trailhead it would more likely have been a random maintance worker, and that’s only if they happened to have work to do at or past the trailhead during that timeframe… and its unlikely they would have found the truck suspicious unless they came back to that area over the course of a few weeks and they happened to remember it was there before. Unless there was something unique about it, doubtful. Its unlikely many visitors drove down that road and the few who did likely drove there the one time during their visit to the trailhead so they wouldn’t recognize it as having been there for six weeks. People don’t live anywhere near there and that road isn’t a route people take everyday. Second, the USFS isn’t calling people when their permit expires to ask them if they left. Its not a hotel. Last, regarding cause of death, it could be a lot of things and we’ll never know. Could be a medical emergency, could be a fall, could be a tree or limb fall, could be homicide, could be an animal attack, could be some other accidental cause, could be suicide. I have seen many suicides and you can’t often predict them. Some cases have clues, others don’t. I’ve seen a few where what most of us would consider a minor issue (argument, bf/gf breaking up with them, professional failure, etc…) has led to it, others where there was no sign other than the person occaisonally seemed morose. Regardless, I highly doubt any authorities told the family he “probably went out there and took his life”. More likely they were asking questions in that line and the family took offense. Which is understandable, but its also authorities job to pursue all lines of possibility even something as uncomfortable as that. If they found clothes in a long line like he was shedding them over distance and if there was a significant storm during that time and he had no shelter, then I can see why they went with hypothermia, but those details are not said so it seems strange. 100ft off the trail isn’t far, its a distance one might go to go to the bathroom or camp. Its pure luck his body was found, many who go missing in the backcountry are never found. As sad as it is, your safety is your personal responsibilty. Your advice at the end is the most important message and one I share any chance I can for those who may only day hike and not respect the backcountry enough: Telling someone when you are leaving, where you plan to be, and when you expect to come out is common sense. However, if that isn’t how one lives their life, then carrying a PLB or satelite comminication device is a good idea. In the past, and when this incident occured, there were less options and they were a little more cost prohibative, so really only hard core backcountry climbers and hikers, or hunters used them. Now days there are more options and great plans that I think if more people knew about them, even those who are only occaisional backcountry recreationist, they would get one. A personal locator beacon (or PLB) is good for emergencies; it sends your coords via a multitude of satelite networks to a USGOV coordination center while also pulsing out a homing beacon that SAR helicopters and ships can track, while also strobing IR for helicopter crews to see. The comminication devices (exp Garmin Inreaches, or Spot X) allow you to text anyone on the device or via your phone connected to the device via bluetooth as the device connects to the iridium satelite network. In addition to being able to text family and freinds from pretty much anywhere on earth, they can also track you as the device pings your location at intervals you set to a map they can log onto. Finally, there is an SOS feature which you can press in an emergency that sends a message with your coordinates to a private company in TX that coordinates with the local SAR entities per your coordinates. Both the PLBs and Garmins have been responsible for tens of thousands of rescues. Both the PLB and communication devices require the ability to connect to a satelite, so they won’t work in a cave, underwater, and a deep slot canyon or super dense tree cover might delay connection. If you are someone who doesnt like the idea of the Garmin “tracking” you, the PLB is basically a brick until you activate it in an emergency. As a benefit, the battery lasts five years then you have to get a new one, it doesn’t need charging since its doing nothing. I have both and always carry my Garmin Inreach Mini, even on short day hikes. The PLB generally only goes on deeper longer excursions but I still take the Garmin with a battery bank so I can text to let them know I’m safe and so they can see where I am. Lastly, understand even with the PLB and SOS feature on the mini, just because you press that does not mean hundreds of rescuers are dispatched in minutes via parachute, fastroping from helicopters, and galloping in on horseback… it can take several hours to confirm your location, recall SAR personnel, and dispatch them. In some cases it can take several hours for them to reach you, in cases of bad whether it might be the next day. A SAR specific helicopter is often not used in the interior of the US except in places where SAR is more common (exp Colorado) so a lot of the time a helicopter is not used at all. Point being, measure your expectations.

[@henriettadenzig8743]

Prayers for the family for answers and justice

[@kathykay6602]

This guy does not believe he died of hypothermia because "he was an experienced hiker"....you will be surprised how many "experienced hikers" die of hypothermia...how many stupid things "experienced hikers" do only to pay with their lives. With all due respect this hiker made the first crucial mistake of not telling anybody where he was going what hampered all efforts to find him on time.RIP Jake.

[@kissedbysun2517]

Yup, experienced doesn't make you invulnerable.

[@RV-ardvark]

I am familiar with this area. This area has very thick ground cover and thickly forested. If someone was off trail, it would be extremely difficult to find someone or a body, even if you knew where the general location of the person/body is. I would not put any blame on any forest ranger. This is a national forest/BLM land, not a park of any type. It is wilderness. Forest service rangers or staff do not "patrol" the area and have other duties. If a patrol is conducted, it would be along roads or established trails. It would not be reasonable to go off trail as part of a routine patrol. Vehicles can and do park anywhere they want/can, so his vehicle may not have been in a parking lot for authorities to find, but on one of many logging roads. Until authorities are notified of a missing person, it would not be normal to launch a search & rescue operation simply for an abandoned vehicle. There are not enough resources to investigate every suspicious vehicle parked in the wilderness. There can be numerous vehicles found in various places from people off on some adventure, who have not registered with the ranger station. As for the "permit" allowing authorities to be notified of him being missing, these permits are self-registered permits that are not actual permits but are registrations. There is no permit needed to hike in the national forest or BLM land. If he had given a copy of the permit to the rangers, they would not be checking on his status because hikers/campers do not need to "check out" from their stay in the forest and most people do not stop by the ranger station to close out the permit. Being found off trail is odd. There is quite a bit of recreational drug usage in western Oregon, and he may have overdosed or become disoriented and injured under the influence. I know, the family will say that he doesn't use drugs, but the family is often the last to know. Fentanyl was and still is very popular in that area and it is a killer. Fentanyl is often used as a cheap supplement in other drugs, such as with methamphetamine, and the user never knows what or how much they are getting. An autopsy would not catch it after years of decomposition. However, being shirtless is a clue because meth users and other drugs often make the person overheat. That is why you see people who are featured on shows like Cops who are on drugs are often shirtless, because they are literally burning up.

[@disappeared9673]

A lot of good points. Weird that he was shirtless. Weird that he was so secretive. There is more to the story for sure.

[@kissedbysun2517]

Agreed, lots of folks go off into the forest to use alone. It's not always about being a wholesome rugged outdoorsman.

[@Jan-qy5rk]

so many it could of been in this case no one will ever know the circumstances that led to his death.Jake was a private person going off to hike as he did many times before I don't think he would of thought the 3 sisters hike would be any different just doing what he loved to do and unfortunately something went very wrong for him i'm sure during his last moments he would of regretted not letting anyone know his plans.Very sad for family&friends i'm sure it was a great relieve to them Jake's remains being found so they could give him a proper burial.

[@summerrain7956]

I agree Bryan, He had to be hurt not to build a fire🥺 God bless🙏🏻

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

Thanks for sharing.

[@DA-bp8lf]

It’s hard to say what happened to him? He was young, healthy and experienced. With no trauma to his bones, it makes it almost impossible to figure out? The human body is capable of doing more then you think, even when it’s been injured. So this is a real mystery?

[@GeraldStiner]

From what you shared it sounds as if this search was preformed very poorly. I am saying this with 30 years as a Paramedic/FF/CSAR, not just anyone. They should have searched the main trails with several people on each side of the trail. With Jake he would have known basic live saving and survival even being with the coast guard. Which makes it hard to believe someone like Jake would have not made it the 4 miles unless there was severe head trauma, heart failure, or significant blood loss. Here in Pennsylvania we do everything we can to give closure to the families. But I also go on other search activities, like the one at the end of May 2022. I will be traveling to OR to search for Jeromy Ivan Childress's remains in hope to give his family closure. Both Jake and Jeromy sound like they had horribly inexperienced Search Commanders. When we feel someone has died we do what is called a advanced grid search until we find them. The person is there until they are proven not to be there. I hope everyone gets them selves a Personal Location Beacon with SOS. This is an item that can almost guaranty your survival.