Three Hikers Found Dead on California Mountain as Winds Stop Rescue

Описание: Three hikers have been found dead on a Southern California mountain after extreme winds forced rescue helicopters to abandon the scene.

The incident happened Monday on Devil’s Backbone Trail at Mount Baldy — a steep and exposed route known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the country.

Authorities say they received a call around 11:30 a.m. reporting that a 19-year-old hiker had fallen roughly 500 feet down a narrow ridge on a remote section of the mountain.

One of the hiker’s companions managed to reach an area with cell service and remained on the phone with dispatchers, providing precise GPS coordinates to help rescuers locate the group.

Search-and-rescue teams quickly launched both air and ground operations. Helicopters soon spotted the injured teenager, along with two other individuals nearby.

However, Santa Ana wind gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour made it impossible for helicopters to land or safely deploy rescue crews.

Hours later, a Los Angeles County airship was able to lower a medic to the scene. Authorities later confirmed that all three individuals had died.

Dangerous wind conditions continued into Tuesday, grounding aircraft once again and delaying recovery efforts. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and the exact causes of death remain under investigation.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said the tragedy highlights how unpredictable and dangerous current conditions are, even for experienced hikers. She warned that weather and terrain on Mount Baldy can change rapidly without warning.

In response, officials announced an emergency closure of Mount Baldy trails through the end of December to protect both the public and rescue crews.

Mount Baldy rises more than 10,000 feet above sea level and can be up to 40 degrees colder than surrounding areas, a dramatic temperature shift that often catches hikers off guard.

With winter now in full effect, snow and ice have already covered the summit, significantly increasing the risk of falls, exposure, and navigation errors.

Despite its accessibility from the Los Angeles area, Mount Baldy has seen more than 100 rescues and at least 14 deaths in recent years.

One of the most high-profile cases involved British actor Julian Sands, who went missing on the mountain during a winter hike and was found months later in a remote canyon.

His case, along with this latest tragedy, underscores how unforgiving Mount Baldy’s terrain can be.

Authorities continue urging hikers to respect trail closures, closely monitor weather conditions, and carry proper safety equipment before attempting high-risk routes.

Officials warn that on Mount Baldy, conditions can turn dangerous in moments — and even small mistakes can have fatal consequences.

SOURCE: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15423229/Three-hikers-dead-california-mountain-winds-prevent-bodies-recovered.html