Overview of Kenneth Budlong
Kenneth Budlong, an experienced climber and global inventory manager for Nike, went missing on September 24, 1995, during a solo climb up Mount Hood, a 11,235-foot peak in Mount Hood National Forest.
Kenneth was climbing Cathedral Ridge on the left side of the mountain, a route he'd never taken before. When he didn't call home the next afternoon, his family became concerned and a search was launched on September 26. Search teams found Budlong's tent near the McNeil Point shelter, at the 7,000-foot level with his backpack, sleeping bag, climbing book and a Bible, but no sign of Budlong. The search efforts were hampered by freezing rain and high winds.
Authorities believe Budlong suffered an accident on the mountain, possibly on the Reid Glacier, but his body has never been recovered.