Deschutes County, Ore. – A climber’s sister called 9-1-1 Wednesday to report her brother, 32-year-old Nole Sigona had become lost after summiting South Sister.
Sigona provided his coordinates which were verified by a cell phone ping when he later called 9-1-1.
He was approximately one mile west of the summit of South Sister and the South Sister Climber Trail. This area of South Sister is steep, with loose terrain.
Sigona requested assistance in finding the trail as he was not equipped for an overnight stay and had no source of light besides his cell phone.
He also had a small amount of food and water, but had no other clothing than the shorts and T-shirt he was wearing.
A Deschutes County Search and Rescue Deputy was able to assist Sigona via phone in returning to the summit and finding the trail. He traveled south on the climbers trail until it became too dark to continue without a light source.
A Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team of four volunteers hiked in from the Devil’s Lake Trail head, locating him in good health.
The Search and Rescue team escorted Sigona off the mountain and back to his vehicle.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind those recreating in the back country to always prepare for varying conditions and carry the “10 Essentials for Wilderness Survival”.
This would include sources for navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire, repair kit/tools, nutrition, hydration and emergency shelter.
