A tragic incident unfolded on Southern California's Mount Baldy when a 19-year-old hiker fell during a hike, leading to a search and rescue operation that ultimately uncovered the bodies of two additional hikers. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed the developments in a statement released on Tuesday.
The search for the missing teen began around midday on Monday. Authorities were alerted after he reportedly fell approximately 500 feet near the popular Devil's Backbone trail. Responding quickly, a dedicated search and rescue team was dispatched to locate the hiker.
A friend who was hiking alongside the teen managed to reach a location with cellular service, where he provided GPS coordinates to aid rescuers in their efforts. This crucial information helped guide the search teams during their operations.
During an extensive aerial search, deputies located the teen, along with two unidentified individuals in close proximity. However, the helicopter was unable to execute the rescue at that time due to severe winds in the area, which posed significant risks to the operation.
As the evening progressed, an air medic was hoisted down to assess the situation and unfortunately confirmed that all three hikers had succumbed to their injuries. The challenging weather conditions continued to hinder the helicopter's ability to safely recover the bodies.
The recovery operation remains ongoing, as stated by the sheriff's department on Tuesday. The identity of the 19-year-old hiker has not been released, and the two other hikers found nearby were part of a separate group whose presence was discovered coincidentally during the search for the teen.
Located in the San Gabriel Mountains just outside of Los Angeles, Mount Baldy is a well-known hiking destination that attracts outdoor enthusiasts. However, the mountain's treacherous terrain can pose significant dangers, especially during adverse weather conditions.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with hiking in challenging environments. Authorities urge hikers to be well-prepared and to always prioritize safety when exploring the great outdoors.
ABC News' Jenna Harrison contributed to this report, highlighting the ongoing concerns for safety in popular hiking spots like Mount Baldy.