Boise teen injured in rock climbing accident in Baker County

By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER COUNTY — Baker County Search and Rescue (SAR) teams were recently deployed to assist with a rock climbing accident at Lost Dutchman Mine in Burnt River Canyon.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, On Friday, June 14, 18-year-old Joseph Binefte of Boise suffered an ankle injury after falling approximately 15 feet while free climbing to untangle a rope. Binefte was camping in the area with friends when the accident occurred.

Unable to walk, Binefte’s friends used an Apple device to call for help and flagged down a passerby, who found better cell service to provide dispatch with more information. Pioneer Ambulance also responded to the scene.

Life Flight landed nearby before SAR arrived. Medics provided first aid, and SAR members assisted with transporting Binefte to the helicopter. He was flown to a regional hospital for further treatment.