A Skier from Seattle died Monday after he was found unresponsive, buried headfirst in a tree well. According to a news release from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office:
On March 17, 2025, at 3:04 p.m., Deschutes County 911 received an emergency SOS text message from an Apple device via satellite. The message reported a “trapped and injured person in steep terrain.” GPS coordinates included in the message indicated the location was on the west side of Mount Bachelor. (43.9861 -121.7032)
911 dispatchers immediately dispatched Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, AirLink, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputies, and Sheriff Search and Rescue teams to the scene. Dispatchers also established voice contact with the reporting party and provided CPR and life-saving instructions.
Ski patrollers reached the reporting party and assumed patient care. Minutes later, the patient was transported to the Mt. Bachelor Clinic, where he succumbed to his injuries.
DCSO deputies identified the deceased as Benjamin Shelkey, 34, of Seattle, Washington. Investigators determined Shelkey was found unresponsive, buried headfirst in a tree well. Third parties at the scene worked for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to free him before beginning CPR.
While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, and the official cause of death has not yet been determined, the circumstances are consistent with snow immersion suffocation. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office urges outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when recreating in backcountry and resort areas, particularly in deep snow conditions.
Statement from Sheriff van der Kamp:
“On behalf of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Oregon community, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Benjamin Shelkey. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. We also want to recognize the swift response and dedication of all those citizens and ski patrollers who assisted in this rescue effort. Tragedies like this remind us of the risks of outdoor recreation, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when venturing into deep snow conditions.”
We thank our partners—Deschutes County 911, Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and AirLink—for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.
