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Remains of Oregon Hunter Devon Dobek Identified After Extensive Search; Death Ruled Accidental

07:30 AM, 11/27/2025
Remains of Oregon Hunter Devon Dobek Identified After Extensive Search; Death Ruled Accidental

Key points: Authorities have identified remains found in Mount Hood National Forest as 51-year-old Devon Christopher Dobek of Hubbard, Oregon, and ruled the death accidental. Dobek was reported missing Oct. 31 after failing to return from a hunting trip; his pickup was found near the Fish Creek Trailhead but no deer or sign of Dobek were located. A large volunteer search was suspended on Nov. 7, and community members later spotted a body at the base of an estimated 400-foot cliff; rope teams recovered the remains on Nov. 16 and the medical examiner confirmed identity on Nov. 25.

Authorities have confirmed that remains recovered in Mount Hood National Forest belong to 51-year-old Devon Christopher Dobek of Hubbard, Oregon. The Clackamas County Medical Examiner has identified the remains and ruled the death accidental.

What happened

Dobek was reported missing on Oct. 31 after he did not return from a hunting trip. Friends told investigators he had messaged a companion saying he was returning early after getting a deer. Deputies found his pickup near the Fish Creek Trailhead, off SE Highway 224 and 54 Road, but neither Dobek nor any deer were found at the scene.

Search and recovery

Searchers began scouring the area the evening he was reported missing. At one point, gunshots presumed to be from Dobek were heard, but search teams could not determine their location. A large-scale search ran from Oct. 31 through Nov. 7 and was suspended after more than 4,000 volunteer personnel hours. The operation used ground teams, helicopters, drones, fixed-wing aircraft, K-9 units and ATVs.

Officials said the search area presented major challenges: steep, rugged terrain with minimal cell service and sections still affected by the 2020 wildfires.

Discovery and confirmation

On Nov. 15, community members reported seeing what appeared to be a body at the base of an approximately 400-foot cliff near the Fish Creek Trailhead. Rope teams and a deputy reached the site on Nov. 16 and recovered the remains believed to be Dobek’s. The medical examiner’s office confirmed the identification and manner of death on Nov. 25.

“Our thoughts are with Devon’s family and friends at this difficult time,” officials said.

The investigation into Dobek’s disappearance has concluded with the medical examiner’s ruling. Authorities thanked the volunteers and community members who assisted in the search and recovery efforts.

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