PORTLAND, Ore. — Authorities have identified a body brought down from Mount Hood as that of a missing climber who was preparing for a climb in Nepal.
Kinley Adams, of Salem, a 59-year-old dentist had been missing since June 22. It’s not yet known what went wrong on his climb.
The Clackamas County medical examiner began an initial examination Monday. The sheriff’s office says results may not be available for a few days.
Oregon Army National Guard helicopter crews spotted Adams’ body Saturday at about 8,400 feet near the top of Sandy Glacier.
A “very difficult and technical mission” on the part of search and rescue teams ended about 6 p.m. Sunday when the body was brought down, the Clackamas County sheriff’s office said Monday.
Adams made some of the greatest climbs of the West, including Mount McKinley, Mount Rainier, Smith Rock and Yosemite’s famous Half Dome and El Capitan, The Oregonian newspaper reported.
Several times he climbed Mount Hood, whose summit is 11,239 feet. When he died, he was training to climb Ama Dablam, a 22,349-foot peak near Mount Everest.
Friends and family members said he spent most of his life in Salem, provided free dental care for children and played violin in the Salem Pops Orchestra.
Two years ago, Adams and his wife, Lorraine, traveled to Mozambique to provide dental care for children and families.
He was a runner at a younger age, and he rode his bicycle to work every day, said Carol Jones, Adams’ longtime friend and former office manager.
The Rev. Mark Hanke of Salem’s First Baptist Church said he and Adams had recently begun planning a 100-mile bike ride to the ocean.
“He’s one of those incredible servants,” Hanke said. “He shows up and helps.”
His son, Brock Adams, said he had been climbing with his father since age 5, and he was a lifelong example of compassion and adventure: “He’s been a good father.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
