Rescuers discovered the bodies of three hikers along the Devil’s Backbone trail of Mt. Baldy on Monday, Dec. 29, authorities said.
Search and rescue team members were looking for one hiker who had fallen from the trail when they ultimately encountered all three victims, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The incident began about 11:30 a.m., when a 19-year-old man fell from the trail, plummeting roughly 500 feet, the agency said in a written statement.
“His friend and hiking companion hiked to an area with cellular service and provided GPS coordinates to assist rescuers,” the statement said.
Officials launched a search from both the air and ground.
“During the aerial search, deputies located the injured hiker and located two additional individuals nearby who have not been identified,” according to the statement.
But the helicopter was unable to reach the people due to high winds.
During a second attempt about 7:30 p.m., officials managed to hoist a medic down to the victims, sheriff’s officials said. All three were confirmed dead.
Efforts to recover the bodies continued Tuesday as high winds continued to pose a challenge.
Coroner’s officials identified the 19-year-old victim as Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova of Seal Beach.
The identities of the other two victims were yet to be released. No further details were available.
Closure issued for area through Jan. 1
The U.S. Forest Service issued a temporary closure and prohibition for portions of the San Gabriel National Monument, including Mt. Baldy, to be in place through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
The closure was put in place “to protect natural resources and provide for public safety,” the department stated.
“The tragic loss of life on Mt. Baldy and repeated rescue responses highlight how dangerous current conditions are, even for experienced hikers,” according to San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus.
“Weather and terrain conditions remain extremely dangerous and unpredictable, posing a significant risk to both the public and Search and Rescue personnel,” he said. “The temporary closure of Mt. Baldy trails is necessary to prevent additional emergencies and protect lives. The public is urged to respect the closure and avoid the area until it is safe to reopen.”
Closed recreation sites included:
Additional details, including a copy of the closure order, can be found online at fs.usda.gov/r05/angeles/alerts/mt-baldy-emergency-closure.
“The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department advises all subjects to refrain from traveling to or recreating in the Mt. Baldy area for the duration of the closure,” the department statement said. “Public cooperation is essential to ensure the safety of visitors and rescue personnel and to support ongoing public safety operations.”
Violations of the order can include fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, along with imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at (909) 356-6767, or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Information may also be provided anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.
(This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.)
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Three hikers found dead on Mt. Baldy, recovery effort underway
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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