ashland.news
December 9, 2023

Medford man’s body found on Ashland trail

A Search and Rescue team removes a body from a trail in the hills south of Ashland. Jackson County Sheriff's Office photo
March 1, 2022

Autopsy says he died of hypothermia

The name of a person found dead last Tuesday, Feb. 22, on a snowy hillside just south of the Ashland city limits was announced Monday by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Matthew Daniel McCormick, 37, of Medford, was discovered by hikers in the middle of a trail in the Paradise Lane area, about a mile southeast of Southern Oregon University.

Sheriff’s deputies and the Ashland Police Department were called to the scene and confirmed the man was deceased, according to a sheriff’s office news release. A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team was called out due to snowy conditions and the remote location of the body.

An Oregon State Police forensic pathologist conducted an autopsy Wednesday and determined the cause and manner of death as hypothermia due to exposure, the release said. The low temperature in Ashland on Feb. 22 was 22 degrees, according to National Weather Service records. The autopsy also determined that the victim appeared to have sustained injuries from a fall and alcohol may have been a factor.

Toxicology reports are pending, and there is no apparent evidence of foul play. Next of kin was notified. 

Source: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office news release. Email Ashland.news Executive Editor Bert Etling at betling@ashland.news, or call or text him at 541-631-1313.

Bert Etling

Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at betling@ashland.news.

Related Posts...

Ashland City Council approves camping ordinance in split vote

On a 4-2 vote, the Ashland City Council on Tuesday approved the first of two required readings of an ordinance to control time, place and manner of camping in Ashland. The ordinance will control occupation of public spaces and enforce behavior, rather than status, and does not seek to punish those who are homeless, the acting city attorney told the council.

Read More »

Mt. Ashland Ski Area pushes back opening day, despite snowstorm

Andrew Gast, general manager of the Mt. Ashland Ski Area, had hoped that this Saturday would be opening day for skiing this season, but he admitted defeat on Thursday, despite the latest snowstorm. Things are now day to day, while he, a couple hundred employees and untold numbers of skiers wait for more snow.

Read More »

Latest posts

Obituary: Margaret McCartney

Obituary: Margaret McCartney died Dec. 4 at 83. Memorial services are planned for 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 N. 2nd St., Ashland.

Read More >

A home for the holidays? Local cat adoption events coming up this month

With local rescue groups still overflowing with cats and kittens, those wishing to bring home a new family member for the holidays will have opportunities to do so on two upcoming December weekends. On Saturday, Dec. 9, Ashland-based Friends of the Animals (formerly Friends of the Animal Shelter) will partner with Feral Cat Advocacy (FCA), Melly Cat Rescue, and Hero Tails Animal Sanctuary for a Feline Fair at the Rogue Valley Mall.

Read More >

Relocations: Politics far and near

Herbert Rothschild: Apparently, Kissinger insisted on recording practically every word he said. His aides later commented that he needed to keep track of which lie he told to whom.

Read More >

Explore More...

Obituary: Margaret McCartney

Obituary: Margaret McCartney died Dec. 4 at 83. Memorial services are planned for 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 N. 2nd St., Ashland.

Read More>

A home for the holidays? Local cat adoption events coming up this month

With local rescue groups still overflowing with cats and kittens, those wishing to bring home a new family member for the holidays will have opportunities to do so on two upcoming December weekends. On Saturday, Dec. 9, Ashland-based Friends of the Animals (formerly Friends of the Animal Shelter) will partner with Feral Cat Advocacy (FCA), Melly Cat Rescue, and Hero Tails Animal Sanctuary for a Feline Fair at the Rogue Valley Mall.

Read More>
ashland.news logo

Subscribe to the newsletter and get local news sent directly to your inbox.

(It’s free)

Don't Miss Our Top Stories

Get our newsletter delivered to your inbox three times a week.
It’s FREE and you can cancel anytime.

NewsMatch is here! For a limited time, your donation to Ashland.news will be DOUBLED.