3 Hikers Found Dead On Mt. Baldy

MT. BALDY, CA — Three hikers died on Mt. Baldy this week, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, a call for help was received at approximately 11:30 a.m. Monday from one of the hikers who told authorities that a friend, identified as a 19-year-old man, had fallen about 500 feet near Devil's Backbone, an area with challenging terrain and steep drop-offs.

Rescue crews initiated a ground and aerial search using GPS coordinates provided by the caller. A helicopter crew spotted the injured hiker and two other people, but severe winds prevented the aircraft from making a safe rescue, according to the sheriff's department.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., an airship from Los Angeles County assisted in the rescue effort, but high winds again prevented a hoist operation. However, an air medic was hoisted down to the hikers. All three were found dead. Their identities were not released as of Tuesday morning.

Crews were still working Tuesday to recover the bodies, but it's unclear if weather conditions will prevent the operation. A wind advisory remains in effect until 1 p.m.

UPDATE: Mt. Baldy Closes To The Public Amid Treacherous Conditions, Hiker Deaths

Mt. Baldy is notorious for its life-threatening weather, including blizzard-like winds, dense fog, freezing conditions, and heavy snowfall during winter.

In October, three men had to be rescued from Devil's Backbone after they took a wrong turn, then lost the trail and their footing. They became stuck on the mountainside and could not move. Read more: Mt. Baldy Threatening Lives, Ahead Of Winter

Dozens of rescues are conducted each year on Mt. Baldy. Sadly, some operations are unsuccessful, and death is not uncommon on the peak.

Related:

• Body Of Missing Woman Found On Mt. Baldy
• Missing Actor Julian Sands' Body Found Near Mount Baldy

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus consistently warns hikers about the dangers posed by Mt. Baldy: " ... please bring appropriate supplies when hiking, avoid hiking during inclement weather conditions, carry a global positioning satellite (GPS) device, and only hike on open trails."

For further safety-related information, visit WILDERNESS SAFETY · West Valley Search and Rescue.