33-year-old radiologist father of 4 dies while hiking

Authorities on Nov. 10 identified a hiker found dead in Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest as radiologist James Robert MacDonald, 33. 

On Nov. 8, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office had located an individual’s remains near the community of Welches following an extensive search. MacDonald’s family reported him missing two days earlier, and the authorities held off on making the public identification until after notifying relatives. 

MacDonald—of Ridgefield, Washington, over 20 miles north of Portland—was a radiologist at Oregon Health & Science University in the final years of his residency. He is survived by his wife, Amanda, and four children Gabriel (6), Lucas (4), and twins William and Elizabeth (1). 

Family members have launched a GoFundMe campaign to benefit his widow and children.  

“The loss of James is incomprehensible. He was a dedicated father, husband and physician. In Amanda’s words, James was ‘unfailingly loyal, thoughtful and a true family man,’” organizer Rocky Lynne Seeley, one of Amanda’s three siblings, wrote on the webpage. “Together, he and Amanda sacrificed much throughout his medical schooling and residency and were excited to begin the next chapter of life.” 

MacDonald had set out for a hike on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in Mount Hood National Forest, which is about 62 miles east of Portland and encompasses over 1 million acres. Hiking was one of his favorite activities on days off, and MacDonald would sometimes take along his older sons. Though a highly experienced hiker, he became lost, with his wife alerting the authorities around 7:30 p.m. after he did not return home from the day hike. MacDonald had phoned her around 10:30 a.m. that day and said he expected to be home by 5:30 p.m., but she never heard from him again. 

Search and rescue took two days to locate MacDonald. He was unprepared for overnight conditions and died from exposure while attempting to descend the mountain. Multiple agencies were involved in the search including the Portland Mountain Rescue, Pacific Northwest S&R, the Hood River Cats, and Oregon National Guard (which provided air support). A PMR search team located MacDonald shortly before 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, near the forest’s Hidden Lake Trail, according to the local sheriff’s office. Authorities have not released a cause of death, but foul play is not suspected, according to local news reports. 

MacDonald was remembered for his love of nature and ability to make “anyone laugh.” He also was an exceptional student, graduating second in his medical school class. 

“We are all devastated by the loss of James, but none more than Amanda and her family. With four young children to raise, including 1-year-old twins, Amanda needs our help,” wrote wife Amanda’s siblings Rocky, Hannah and Ben, noting that the funds will go toward the kids’ education and other future needs. 

"This is something we can do right now that's tangible, that will help us get the word out and just help her adjust to a reality that is so different than her reality was on Wednesday," MacDonald’s father-in-law, James Seeley, told news station KGW8.

Oregon Health & Science University, in Portland, also shared a statement about the physician’s passing. OHSU radiologist Joshua P. Nickerson, MD, has launched a GoFundMe page, as has Ellie Smart of Ridgefield, Washington. News station KIRO 7 reported Monday that it has verified the legitimacy of all three campaigns.

"Dr. MacDonald touched the lives of many through his work as a radiology resident. His loss is profoundly felt within the OHSU community,” the university said. “His enthusiasm for learning and adventure, combined with his dedication to medicine, left a lasting impression on his colleagues, friends and family.”