News - Tragic Fall Claims Three Hikers on Mt. Baldy

A heartbreaking incident on Mt. Baldy resulted in the deaths of three hikers after a young man fell approximately 500 feet. The tragedy unfolded in the Devil’s Backbone area when a 19-year-old hiker lost his footing, prompting a frantic search and rescue effort. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reported that the call for help came at around 11:30 a.m. on Monday after the man's companion witnessed the fall. Desperate to save his friend, the companion raced to find cellular service and alert authorities. The sheriff’s department dispatched a search and rescue team almost immediately. However, challenging conditions awaited them as severe winds thwarted all rescue efforts. A helicopter from the department's Air Rescue team was deployed to locate the fallen hikers. Despite spotting the injured hiker and two other individuals in proximity, their rescue attempts were stymied by the fierce weather conditions. As daylight waned and hope dwindled, another helicopter from Los Angeles County endeavored to assist the operation. Unfortunately, high winds once again prevailed, rendering their hoist attempt futile. Eventually, a brave medic was lowered to the site and tragically confirmed that all three hikers had perished. On Tuesday, recovery efforts were in full swing to retrieve the victims from the unforgiving terrain. The identities of those involved have yet to be disclosed by officials. This incident underscores the inherent risks faced by outdoor enthusiasts and serves as a poignant reminder to always exercise caution and preparedness when venturing into the wilderness. No further information about the incident or the victims has been provided at this time.