1 Of 3 Hikers Who Fell To Their Death From Mount Baldy ID'd

SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS, CA — One of three hikers found dead this week off a dangerous trail near Mount Baldy has been identified.

Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, 19, of Seal Beach, was located after an air search that began Monday night. Due to severe winds, the helicopter crew wasn't able to recover all three hikers, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department

Late Monday morning, authorities said a call came in about an injured 19-year-old who fell 500 feet in the Devil's Backbone trail area. A friend who was with Casanova was able to hike to an area with cell service to alert rescuers and bring them to the location of the fall.

During the aerial search, rescuers found the injured hiker and two other people nearby. Around 7:30 p.m., a medic was lowered down to confirm all three people were dead. However, high winds prevented the crew from hoisting the hikers from the area, according to the sheriff's office.

Wind advisories were in effect Monday for much of the Southland, including the San Gabriel Mountains, where Mount Baldy is located.

Recovery efforts were underway Tuesday for the hikers, the department said.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at 909-356-6767 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 909-387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

In response to inclement weather and the three hikers' deaths, the U.S. Forest Service on Tuesday issued a temporary closure order of the Mount Baldy's peak.

The closure runs from 10 p.m. Dec. 29 until 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31. and affects portions of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, including Mt. Baldy (see the full list of closure areas here). It's unclear whether the impending storm might prolong the shutdown.

"The tragic loss of life on Mt. Baldy and repeated rescue responses highlight how dangerous current conditions are, even for experienced hikers," San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said Tuesday. "Weather and terrain conditions remain extremely dangerous and unpredictable, posing a significant risk to both the public and Search and Rescue personnel.

"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."