Missing Oregon Hunter Found Deceased in Rugged Terrain

Dustin Gibson was not prepared for cold nights, and was without his medication.

Dustin Gibson was last seen Oct. 3rd, 2009. Photo courtesy: Polk County Sheriff

(POLK COUNTY, Ore.) - Polk County Sheriff's Office reports that searchers have found the body of 67-year old Dustin Gibson, who is deceased according to searchers on scene.

Mr. Gibson from Logsdon, Oregon was reported missing on October 3, 2009.

He was last seen about 7:00 a.m. Saturday, when he and a friend went hunting, and set off separately in the southwest part of Polk County off Little Grass Mountain Road.

When he failed to show up at the agreed upon time of 10:00 a.m., the friend alerted authorities.

Mr. Gibson's family said he had hunted the area for more than 30 years. Searches by dogs, helicopters and on foot have been ongoing, however, Oct. 7, searches were called off as authorities did not know where else they could search, as terrains were believed to have been searched.

Sheriff Bob Wolfe stated that family and friends continued searching today in an area of Couger Creek and at approximately 11:45 AM located Dustin Gibson.

Polk County Sheriff's Office, assisted by Benton County Sheriff's Office are continuing efforts to recover the body of Dustin Gibson from extremely steep and rugged terrain.

Polk County Sheriff Bob Wolfe stated, "We have located the body of Dustin Gibson, however, we have been unable to make a recovery due to the location in which he was found."

"Plans are underway to bring in high angle rescue personnel along with additional searchers for manpower to remove the body, this is very unforgiving and difficult area which is making this recovery very difficult for searchers."

"At this time, we have no additional information regarding the cause of death however, there are no apparent signs of foul play," added Wolfe.

It appears that Dustin Gibson was following a ridge down hill and got into very steep rugged terrain and was not able to get back up the hill.

"Due to the risk to searchers and the terrain they are working in, we are currently making plans to do a recovery tomorrow, it's just not safe for our people to make the removal without daylight," stated Sheriff Bob Wolfe.

The Sheriff's Office expects to have more information once the recovery is completed, tomorrow.