Oregon Public Broadcasting

Falling ice killed a climber on Mt. Hood Wednesday as she was climbing near the summit with her husband.  Her husband was able to make it to Timberline Lodge as rescuers began arriving.  Pete Springer reports.

The Portland couple was climbing below the summit of the mountain in the area know as the Pearly Gates. 

That’s when boulder-sized chucks of ice began falling, says Clackamas County Sheriff Deputy Jim Strovink.

Jim Strovink: “And she unfortunately was struck in the face with a large piece of ice, which resulted in her falling about 400 feet.  Her spouse reports that he witnessed her legs breaking while, during the decent, the fall.”

Thirty-three year old Brooke Colvin was dead by the time her husband, Thad Stavn, was able to reach her. 

Rescuers say Stavn then climbes down the mountain to Timberline Lodge.

The fatal accident occurred in the same area of the mountain where another climber was injured last Saturday.

That’s when falling ice struck Michael Lemming, breaking both his legs.