REVEALED: Expert mountaineer, 42, who died on Washington state volcano SURVIVED 1,200ft fall into the crater by landing on avalanche snow – but died trying to climb out again

An experienced mountain climber initially survived a 1,100-foot fall from the summit of Mount St. Helens in an avalanche, but died while rushing to climb out.

The body of Roscoe “Rocky” Shorey, 42, was found on March 29 after he fell into the hole when a plank of snow he was standing on apparently broke.

After the patch of snow fell, Shorey tried to grab onto the edge of the cornice, but was unable to hold on and ended up being buried under the snow.

Despite desperately trying to scale the icy vertical wall surrounding him, the expert mountaineer was unable to do so.

He said he was only wearing snowboard boots, synthetic pants and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt Oregon Live.

The Washougal man’s belongings, including his jacket, cell phone, SOS satellite device and backpack, were all located at the top of the crater from which he fell – where he had been documenting his adventures moments earlier.

Shorey’s friends and the mountaineering community were shocked by his sudden death.

Known for his love of adventure, friendships and desserts – his friends and family flocked to Facebook to share heartfelt tributes and photos of themselves enjoying his favorite dessert… a Dairy Queen Blizzard.

The expedition that ultimately killed him was his 28th summit of the mountain.

He had previously completed the climb to the top of Mount Hood, a much more difficult challenge, more than forty times.

The adventurer had completed challenging climbs all over the world.

His death was announced on March 30, and officials accompanied the tragic news with a warning to climbers to stay away from the rim of Mount St. Helens’ crater because cornices can collapse randomly.

The men who recovered his body determined that Shorey had survived his first fall, but died during his escape attempt.

“He gave everything he could to survive,” said Derek Langdon, who coordinated the operation to retrieve Shorey’s body. “We were all thinking, ‘Who is this guy, who is this person?’

Shorey’s friend Bret Barnum told the story KKG, ‘In 42 years, that man has easily lived a hundred years… Every time we were able to go out, it was an adventure.’ Langdon added, “He’s almost reached the top.”

Barnum said Shorey was more than a passionate climber, with the adrenaline junkie also regularly skydiving, scuba diving, heli-skiing and volunteering to clean up the environment.

His friend Barnum said he became concerned about Shorey after not hearing from him the day after his expedition, and frantically contacted others in the area as the climber was well known in the local mountaineering community.

“It is an extremely difficult time,” he said, noting that the veteran climber’s death was a tragic accident and not the result of carelessness.

“The community as a whole, the metropolitan area, has lost a very, very caring individual who was not reckless or careless and just happened to be very unlucky that day.

‘The proof of his life is that he simply lived it. He lived his way. He didn’t live dangerously. He lived it with prediction, with passion, with intention.”

Shorey was a brand ambassador for Mountain House, an away-from-home meal company, which paid tribute to him in a statement after his death as a “fearless adventurer” with a “joyful heart.”

“The Mountain House community is devastated by his loss. We will remember him for his boundless energy, optimistic attitude and genuine Aloha spirit,” the statement said.

“He loved climbing new peaks, swimming in mountain lakes, making new friends and encouraging youth to get outdoors.

“We know that all who knew him will honor his memory by exploring and welcoming others to the outdoor community. He was a true friend and will be missed by all.”

Added friend Justin Fields in a Facebook posts that although he had only known Shorey for two years, “I’ve never met anyone like him.”

“He was an extremely kind soul, a child of the Hawaiian Islands with incredible health and strength that kept him constantly busy and on the go,” he said.

“Rocky has never taken on a food challenge that he couldn’t complete!! He could eat four large pizzas before any of me, and I just loved that about him, it drove me crazy every time.

‘He could throw back a few ciders, but he had no flaws. Above all, I knew him as an excellent listener, who was kind and patient even after his 42 years.

“I’m truly comforted by the fact that he died doing exactly what he loved. Damn, I bet the sunrise was incredible, Rocky! I’m glad you see it man. Godspeed, and A Hui Hou, brother.”