BEND, OREGON: The body of Joel Tranby, a 21-year-old college student, was discovered on July 20 after several days of search efforts. He had fallen hundreds of feet down a steep and rocky ravine near the summit of North Sister in Oregon's Cascade Mountains.
Tranby was an enthusiastic lover of the outdoors and an active member of the Bend community, as described by those who knew him. The news of his tragic death has left his parents devastated, as reported by KTVZ-TV. He had been involved in coaching his former high school's Nordic Ski Team and was on track to graduate from college in December 2022.
It was a complicated rescue operation
The search and rescue team utilized drone video information to help locate Tranby's body. They were then able to spot it from a helicopter on Thursday morning, thanks to the valuable details provided by the drone footage, as confirmed by Lane County Sheriff's Office Sgt Tom Speldrich.
The challenging nature of the loose, steep, and rocky terrain surrounding Joel Tranby's location has made it currently impossible to reach him on foot, as per Sgt Tom Speldrich of the Lane County Sheriff's Office. Search team members are seeking guidance from expert climbers to assess whether a safe recovery mission can be executed.
North Sister, standing at 10,085 feet (3,074 meters), is renowned for its difficulty as a climb due to the presence of loose volcanic rock on its mountainside and the scarcity of secure locations to anchor ropes for protection, as reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive.
During the climbing incident on July 17, Tranby, accompanied by his girlfriend, fell approximately 300 to 500 feet (90-150 meters) and sustained severe injuries. While his girlfriend was able to call for help using her phone, she was unable to ascertain Tranby's exact location after the fall, further complicating the rescue operation.
Joel was a hardworking college-goer
Joel's love for the outdoors and his passion for spending time with his loved ones brought him immense joy during the fateful incident. "Joel's faith in God was significant to him, and we are finding comfort in trusting God during these difficult days ahead. As a family, we are praying for the discovery of his body and request privacy during this time of healing."
Three years ago, NewsChannel 21's Jordan Williams highlighted the musical group called the "Tranby Troupe," which included Joel as a senior at Mountain View High School, where he played the violin. Joel graduated from school in 2020. Notably, he actively assisted in coaching the school's Nordic ski team, demonstrating his passion for sports and dedication to the school community.
From an early age, Joel exhibited an exceptional work ethic and business acumen. He secured his first job at Chick-fil-A during his high school years and steadily advanced within the company, eventually achieving the position of manager.
Currently, Joel has taken on a part-time role at Costco, showcasing his ongoing commitment to work and professional development. His accomplishments and contributions have left a positive impact on those around him, reflecting his determination and drive for success.