Internet pays respect to climber Roscoe Shorey who died within the crater of Washington's Mt St Helens

SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON: A 42-year-old veteran mountain climber named Roscoe (Rocky) Shorey, was found dead within the crater of Washington state’s Mount St Helens on March 30, authorities said.

According to a statement from the Skamania County Sheriff's Office, a climbing group reached the summit of the volcano near the Monitor Ridge Climbing Route after authorities were notified on the morning of March 30 of a body being discovered.

What did the authorities say?

“The climbing group located a backpack, digital recording devices and other personal effects near the rim of the crater,” as per the sheriff’s office statement. "Near the personal belongings, a snow cornice near the rim fractured and fell into the crater of the mountain," it added.

“The climbing group reported observing a motionless person within the crater of the volcano approximately 1200 feet below the summit,” the statement continued.

Roscoe Shorey successfully summitted Mt St Helens 28 times 

The victim, who was from Washougal, Washington, was later identified by the authorities. “Roscoe Shorey was an experienced mountain climber and had successfully summitted Mt St Helens 28 times prior to this accident,” as per the statement, adding, “The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office offers their condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Shorey.”

The sheriff’s office launched a recovery mission with the help of a rescue team which was airlifted to the volcano’s crater. The team traveled from there on foot to the recovery site. The victim’s body was transported to the incident command at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park, as per the Skamania County Sheriff's Office.

Roscoe Shorey was by himself at the time of the incident 

According to CBS-affiliate KIRO, sheriff’s deputies said Shorey was alone at the time of the incident. The Northwest Avalanche Center posted a statement on March 30, based on a preliminary report, that Shorey’s death was the result of a cornice (defined as an overhanging mass of snow) fall.

“While standing near the top, he triggered a cornice and fell to his death,” the organization said. “Large cornices still overhang many steep alpine slopes,” it continued, adding “They often fail much farther back than expected. During these warm, sunny periods, they can become weaker and easier to trigger.”

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office reflected the same sentiment in its statement, alarming climbers, "Snow cornices are difficult to detect and become weaker during warm, sunny periods.”

Roscoe Shorey was a sky-diving instructor

Bret Barnum, a longtime friend of Shorey, told NBC-affiliate KGW that Shorey was a sky-diving instructor in addition to being a mountaineer. "In 42 years, that guy lived a hundred years of life easily,” Barnum said, adding “I was fortunate enough to be able to hop in the car and take a ride with him. Every time we could go out, it was an adventure."

Shorey was an ambassador for Mountain House, a company that specializes in freeze-dried food for adventurers.

In a statement shared with KGW, Mountain Horse wrote in part, "Rocky was an expert mountaineer and a fearless adventurer with an appetite for the outdoors almost as big as his joyful heart. The Mountain House community is devastated by his loss. We will remember him for his boundless energy, optimistic attitude and genuine Aloha spirit."

Internet pays condolences after Roscoe Shorey's death

Internet users also paid their respect and condolences after Shorey's tragic demise. One user opined, "No matter how experienced you are, it's easy to make a mistake." Another commented, "He went by Rocky & was loved by many. My heart breaks for his family & his friends." "RIP Rocky… you’ll be missed, I’m so sad to to see you go," added a third. 

"I’m sorry for all of Rocky’s family and friends. He will be missed and remembered from days at Skydive Oregon," wrote one and another said, "Condolences to his family and friends. May the Lord bring them comfort." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.