Search continues for missing 68-year-old hiker near Mount Jefferson

Search operations continue for a missing 68-year-old Oregon hiker near Mount Jefferson after he disappeared following a trip from Russell Lake, officials said. More than 50 searchers, along with multiple aircraft, are working in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness after John D. Nelson left his campsite near Russell Lake at about 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Nelson began the hike with his longtime hiking partner from the Whitewater Trailhead on Monday, July 6, and the pair camped overnight at Russell Lake. He is described as an experienced hiker and a retired doctor, and authorities note he summited Mount Jefferson about 20 years ago. He was last seen wearing a light blue button-down shirt, a blue jacket, blue jeans, athletic shoes, and carrying a light blue daypack. The search includes multiple ground teams and an Oregon National Guard Black Hawk helicopter, and additional updates are ongoing.