American college student of Oregon falls to his death after climbing mountain

Authorities locate body of Joel Tranby, 21, after dayslong search

By Edward Era Barbacena 

A college student was located Thursday after he fell several hundred feet while climbing an Oregon mountain.

Joel Tranby was climbing North Sister in the Cascade Mountains with his girlfriend early Monday afternoon when he fell about 300 to 500 feet and was severely injured.

While Tranby's girlfriend was able to use her phone to call for help, she could not see where Tranby had landed, authorities said.

"Unfortunately, he stopped responding verbally before searchers arrived," Lane County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tom Speldrich told The Associated Press.

Search and rescue personnel used drone video to locate the body of the 21-year-old and were able to spot it with their own eyes from a helicopter Thursday morning, according to the sheriff. 

The sheriff's office said the loose, steep and rocky terrain made reaching Tranby on foot impossible, and police were consulting expert climbers to determine if a recovery mission can be conducted safely.

The rescue effort included an Oregon National Guard Blackhawk helicopter, mountain rescue teams, a high-resolution camera and a small drone.

"We are saddened by this loss of life and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends," the sheriff's office said.