Account
Dec 29, 2011
Jan 05, 2024
Daming
Xu
80
63
67 inches
150 lbs
Asian
Male
On a crisp autumn day, November 4, 2007, 63-year-old Daming Xu, a respected mathematics professor at the University of Oregon, embarked on a solo day hike in the scenic but challenging terrain near Blue River, Oregon. An avid and physically fit hiker, Xu planned to summit Olallie Mountain in the Three Sisters Wilderness, a familiar and beloved pastime for him and his wife. He was last seen that afternoon around 1:30 p.m. near the peak by another pair of hikers, who noted he seemed to be in a hurry, spending only a few moments at the top before beginning his descent. Tragically, he never returned home from this excursion. His wife reported him missing the following day, November 5, after he failed to return as expected. The search for Daming Xu began promptly, with his white 2003 Chevrolet Impala discovered on November 6th at the Olallie trailhead on Bear Flats, near Terwilliger Hot Springs. Inside the vehicle, searchers found his heavier jacket, cell phone, and part of a hiking guide book, "100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades." This discovery was concerning as it indicated he was not equipped for an unexpected overnight stay in the wilderness, especially as weather conditions were deteriorating. The search efforts were extensive, involving the Lane County Sheriff's Office, mountain rescue teams from multiple counties, and even a Blackhawk helicopter with infrared capabilities. A significant, albeit puzzling, clue emerged on November 15th when the other half of his hiking book was found in the French Pete Creek drainage area, miles from where he was last seen. Despite the intensive search efforts, which included volunteer searches in the years that followed, no further trace of Daming Xu has ever been found. The weather worsened in the days following his disappearance, with rain, fog, and freezing temperatures setting in, severely diminishing the chances of survival for someone with only light clothing. Authorities believe he likely became disoriented or was injured during his hike. The discovery of his hiking book so far from his intended trail suggests he may have taken a wrong turn, leading him into the dense and unforgiving wilderness. The case remains a sorrowful mystery, a testament to how quickly a day of recreation in the beautiful Oregon wilderness can turn to tragedy. His disappearance left a void in the lives of his family and the University of Oregon community, where he was remembered as a kind and dedicated professor.
Nov 04, 2007
Blue River
Oregon
Lane County
No
11159
Lane County Sheriff's Office
Eugene
Oregon
Lane County
97401
DJ Mann
Sergeant
125 East 8th Avenue, Oregon
5416824150
County
Law Enforcement
LCSO 07-9349
2007-11-05
Lane County Sheriff's Office
Black
Brown
Brown
05/29/2026
