Missing Hikers on Mt. Hood in Oregon

I took this photo March 5th, 2008.

Mt. Hood is a beautiful mountain located just out of Portland, Or. Many have climbed and attempted to climb it throughout the years, some have reached the top…and some not so lucky have died trying.

If you live in the Portland area you have already heard about the 3 climbers Luke T. Gullberg of Des Moines, Wash, Kattie Nolan, 29, of Southeast Portland and Anthony Vietti, 24, of Longview, Wash and who left Friday the 11th around 1am who were expected to return by that evening. When they didn’t return that night calls were placed and missing persons reports were filed.

On Day 1 of the search Searchers found the body  of Luke T. Gullberg  the missing 26-year-old climber in a treacherous area near the 9,000-foot level of Mount Hood. Luke was found to have died from hypothermia. Many prayers went out to the family of Luke and many tears have been shed over the loss of a great Christian guy/son/nephew/grandchild/friend.

Each day the rescue mission has continued and prayers and songs have been sung, all while we wait to hear the latest report from the mountain. Today is now Day 5 and no signs of Anthony or Katti have been found. The weather has not been making it easy to search either with wind gusts up to 50 mph.

Since I live near Longview I see status updates from my friends all over Facebook praying for the missing hikers. Anthony attends a church here called The Bridge, it is in a close relationship to my own church and there are so many people praying for the two and Lukes family that is just shows a great sense of community and compassion. People have been meeting in homes worshipping and giving praise to God during these times of pain and sorrow and it has been a very emotional week for all.

My prayer is that all will find comfort in Him. That no matter the outcome He will be praised. There is a plan, we may not understand it but it is for our good. Let His will be done.

————————–Update as of Dec 16, 3pm————————————-

Just got word that it has been decided that it is no longer a rescue mission but a recovery mission. As soon as the weather permits rescuers will start the climb of the mountain to search for the bodies of the two young and dearly missed hikers.

Prayers are going out to all of the families and friends who now have to deal with the loss of more loved ones.