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Ore. man dies near Ice Lake Basin

Ultra-runner probably died after falling from mountain peak

The body of a man from Ashland, Oregon, was found July 22 in the Ice Lake Basin vicinity by San Miguel County Search and Rescue.

The ultra-runner and hiker, Alex Newport-Berra, 33, was in the area to hike the Ulysses S. Grant Peak, 13,767 feet in elevation, and to follow the ridge around to some surrounding peaks before coming back down, said Melody Skinner, administrative assistant for the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

Skinner said Newport-Berra probably died July 20, after falling from Pilot Knob, one of the peaks surrounding the lakes in the basin. He was hiking alone.

San Juan County Search and Rescue along with San Miguel County Search and Rescue provided assistance while searching for Newport-Berra, Skinner said.

Volunteers from San Miguel County Search and Rescue found the body while searching the ridge line of peaks surrounding lakes in the area in a helicopter, she said.

San Juan County Coroner Keri Metzler said Newport-Berra suffered from multiple blunt injuries.

A full autopsy report has not been completed.

tferraro@durangoherald.com



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