KCSO Search and Rescue helps injured hiker in Sky Lakes Wilderness

On the morning of Monday, July 1, 2019, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by Klamath County 9-1-1 of an injured hiker near Devils Peak, along the Pacific Crest Trail, in the Sky Lakes Wilderness area.

A message had been received that a man had fallen the previous day and was injured. The man later identified as Cory McDonald, from Florida, attempted to hike to safety but was unable to travel any further due to his injuries.

The approximate location of McDonald was 9-miles from a trailhead.  

Klamath County Search and Rescue (SAR) was notified and worked collaboratively with SAR partners to rescue Mr. McDonald by helicopter and ground ambulance before safely transporting him to Sky Lakes Medical Center. 

This is the third known rescue of a hiker lost or injured in the area of Klamath and Douglas Counties this year.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Brim Aviation, and the Rocky Point Fire Department assisted in the rescue.