Marine Veteran Found After 2 Days In Oregon Snow

11:28 AM, Feb 10, 2012   |    comments
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ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) - A former Marine sniper who suffers from panic attacks and fled on foot following a minor traffic accident in Oregon was found after two days in the snow.

Jason D. Cooper, 37, of Temecula, Calif., was found Wednesday in a remote wooded area lying on tree branches, trying to keep warm, Oregon State Police said.

He was taken to a Roseburg hospital and transferred to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland where nursing supervisor Phyllis Riggs said he's listed in critical condition but stable condition and likely to be upgraded Friday.

Cooper had been driving Monday when he was involved in a low-speed rear-end collision on Highway138D, which runs through the Umpqua National Forest.

The other driver was surprised to see Cooper, wearing shorts and sandals, run off through the snow into the woods, the Oregonian reported Friday.

Police followed tracks through snow 2-feet deep but had to stop at dark.