MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – Authorities have identified the hiker found dead earlier this month near Multnomah Falls as 49-year-old Benjamin J. Holcomb of Lyle, Washington, according to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Discovery of the Missing Hiker
The incident began around 8:40 a.m. on Sept. 10, when the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a report of a missing hiker in the Columbia River Gorge.
Shortly after, BOEC was notified of an unresponsive person at the base of Wiesendanger Falls, located along the Larch Mountain Trail near Multnomah Falls.
Also Read
Rescue personnel from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, including members of its specialized Green Hornets team, responded to the scene. Officials confirmed that the individual was deceased.
Victim Identified
The State Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed the victim’s identity as Holcomb. Investigators are now working to determine the official cause of death, though no details have yet been released about what may have led to the tragedy.
Ongoing Investigation
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation in partnership with the medical examiner. At this stage, it has not provided information regarding whether foul play is suspected or whether Holcomb’s death was the result of an accident along the steep, often hazardous trails in the Gorge.
Multnomah Falls Area Risks
Multnomah Falls and the surrounding trail network are among Oregon’s most visited outdoor destinations, drawing millions of tourists each year. But the rugged landscape, including steep drop-offs and slippery conditions, has also been the site of past accidents and fatalities.
The section of the Larch Mountain Trail where Holcomb was found leads hikers past a series of waterfalls, including Wiesendanger Falls. Trail conditions can be treacherous, particularly in wet weather, and require caution even for experienced hikers.
Next Steps
Authorities have not released additional details but said updates will be provided once the cause of death has been confirmed. For now, Holcomb’s death remains under investigation as officials continue gathering information.
