Linn County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the death of a man who fell from a cliff near Gordon Meadows, east of Cascadia, while on a camping trip Sunday, Sept. 13.
According to Undersheriff Jim Yon, at 3:55 p.m. Sunday, Linn County dispatchers received a call from Martha Linda Leech, 55, of Toledo, who reported that her male companion had fallen to the bottom of a cliff and she believed he was dead.
When deputies and Search and Rescue personnel arrived, they observed Stephen Maurice Bass, 61, of Toledo, approximately 100 feet below a log landing at the base of a cliff, Yon said. A Search and Rescue member was able to traverse the steep slope and reach Bass, who was confirmed deceased.
Due to approaching darkness and the rugged terrain, the scene was secured overnight due to the hazardous conditions, Yon said. Bass’ body was recovered Monday by Corvallis Mountain Rescue and Linn County Search and Rescue personnel.
The investigation of the cause of death was ongoing Monday, Yon said.