Hiker, 15, Rescued By Helicopter After Getting Stuck In Storm In San Gabriel Foothills

BRADBURY, CA — A 15-year-old hiker was rescued from the San Gabriel foothills after becoming stranded in worsening weather conditions in last week's storm, officials said Tuesday.

The hiker called 911 just after 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20. He had begun his hike earlier in the day but was unable to make his way back as rain and cold weather intensified, the Duarte Public Safety Department said.

The department deployed a drone with thermal imaging technology and located the teen on a ridge above a half a mile northeast of Bliss Canyon Road, above Bradbury Canyon, officials said.

"This rapid identification allowed responding crews to focus their search area and coordinate an effective response," officials said.

Sierra Madre Search and Rescue and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deployed resources, moving through heavy brush and unstable terrain to reach the teen.

Crews arrived to the hiker at around 8:30 p.m., conducted a medical assessment and determined he was mildly hypothermic.

"Crews provided dry clothing, warming measures, and assisted him downhill to an extraction point," officials said.

An LA County Fire Department helicopter hoisted the teen from the ridge for further medical evaluation, wile rescue personnel later hiked out safely.

“This rescue showed the strength of coordinated public safety response,” said Larry Breceda, Duarte's director of public safety. “Our new drone program proved essential in quickly locating the hiker and giving ground crews the information they needed.

"I’m proud of the teamwork between our Public Safety staff, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, and LA County Fire. Their quick actions ensured this young man received the help he needed.”