Three hikers, reported missing on Mt. Baldy on Monday, have been found dead.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the hikers, including a 19-year-old, were found by a search and rescue team who were initially dispatched to locate the injured teenager who had fallen approximately 500 feet near Devils Backbone. The teen’s friend, who was hiking with him, managed to find an area with cellular service and called for help.
During the aerial search, deputies discovered the injured 19-year-old and subsequently found the bodies of two other hikers nearby. The sheriff’s department clarified that the two other hikers were not with the 19-year-old and his friend. The identities of the deceased hikers have not been released.
The rescue operation faced challenges due to severe winds, which prevented the helicopter from safely completing a hoist operation. A Los Angeles County aircraft was later used to assist, but high winds continued to impede the rescue efforts. An air medic was lowered and confirmed that all three individuals were deceased. A recovery operation is currently underway.
KABC reported that the teen’s friend who called for help was not injured. The sheriff’s department stated they were unaware of the other hikers’ whereabouts and discovered them during the search for the teenager.
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