Portland man dies while hiking on Mount St. Helens

A Portland man died Thursday while hiking on Mount St. Helens, according to the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.

Jason L. Douthit, 44, of Portland had been hiking in a group of three near the boulder fields on the mountain when he collapsed and fell shortly after 2 p.m., witnesses told rescuers, the sheriff’s office reported.

A caller initially told dispatchers Douthit had fallen and hit his head, as rescuers were en route, the caller said they were performing CPR. 

Members of the Volcano Rescue Team responded from the trail head at Camper’s Bivouac, and a medic from Life Flight was able to reach Douthit; but medics were unable to resuscitate the hiker, and he was pronounced deceased.

At the scene, witnesses told rescuers that it appeared Douthit had suffered a sudden medical event.

The sheriff’ office said it does not appear the fall caused his death. He was taken to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy.

North Country EMS also responded to the call.

JL Aviation and pilot Jeff Linscott was in the area on a separate mission and immediately diverted to the area, according to the sheriff’s office. He was able to shuttle resources to the scene and assist with recovering the hiker.