Search and rescue teams have recovered the body of Devon Dobek, a 51-year-old hunter from Hubbard, Oregon, who went missing in the Mount Hood National Forest in late October. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office confirmed the recovery after an extensive search effort.
Dobek was reported missing on October 31st after he failed to return from a hunting trip. His truck was found near the Fish Creek Trailhead, but there was no sign of him. The Sheriff's Office launched a seven-day search operation involving over 20 agencies and 4,000 collective hours of searching. However, the official search was suspended on November 7th.
Determined to find Dobek, his family and friends organized an independent search effort. Jace Cook, a deputy district attorney whose sister-in-law was a close friend of Dobek, created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the continued search. The campaign garnered significant support, raising nearly $35,000.
The funds were used to support helicopter searches, searchers on horseback, and K-9 teams. On November 15th, searchers located a body in a difficult-to-reach area near the Fish Creek Trailhead. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office was notified, and a specially trained rope team was deployed to recover the body.
The recovery operation was challenging, requiring the team to cross a river and navigate steep cliffs. The body was finally recovered on November 16th. While official identification is pending, the Sheriff's Office believes it to be Dobek.
Cook described Dobek as "a man full of light" and highlighted his generosity and kindness. He was found with the buck he harvested and his backpack, leading Cook to suspect Dobek had fallen from a ledge.
GoFundMe's Impact
The GoFundMe campaign played a crucial role in the search for Devon Dobek. It demonstrates the power of community support in times of crisis and the dedication of friends and family to find their loved ones. The funds raised enabled the independent search team to utilize resources that ultimately led to the recovery of Dobek's body.
Condolences
Our thoughts are with Devon Dobek's family and friends during this difficult time.