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A hiker found dead while trying to climb California’s Mount Whitney despite their companions returning
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According to a news release from the local search and rescue organization, around 3:30 pm on Sunday, “nearing 12,500 feet in elevation, one hiker decided it was safest to turn around and descend the mountain,” but the second hiker continued on and died.
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“After a thorough search, the subject was located on the north slope of Mount Whitney, below the ‘Final 400,’ and was confirmed deceased,” officials said. They did not reveal the person’s identity.
A hiker was found dead while trying to climb Mount Whitney in California, even though their companions turned back.
Inyo County Search and Rescue confirmed in a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 21, that they received a report of a missing hiker on Monday.
Officials said the person began hiking with another person around 11:30 p.m. Saturday and continued into the next day.
However, around 3:30 pm local time on Sunday, “nearing 12,500 feet, a hiker decided it was safest to turn around and descend.”
“The second hiker continued climbing toward the summit,” the release reads. “When the second hiker failed to return the next morning, the reporting party contacted the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and a District response was initiated.”
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The rescue operation consisted of six rescue personnel and a California Highway Patrol Inland Division helicopter (H-82) operating from Lone Pine.
When the helicopter arrived at Mount Whitney around 2:00 p.m., “a rescuer joined the crew in conducting an aerial search.”
Inyo County Search and Rescue/Facebook
Inyo County Search and Rescue
“After a thorough search, the subject was located on the north slope of Mount Whitney, below the ‘Final 400’ climbing route, and was confirmed deceased,” officials said. They did not reveal the person’s identity.
Rescue crews then returned to Lone Pine just before 6:00 p.m.
Inyo County Sheriff’s Office Police Car
Inyo County Sheriff’s Office Police Car
“This incident occurred within Tulare County jurisdiction and appropriate notifications were issued to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office,” Inio County Search and Rescue continued.
The news comes after the body of a missing 21-year-old hiker was found on Mount Whitney. Los Angeles Times the report said.
People also previously reported that a father of two died after falling from a trail while climbing Mount Whitney in October.
“Recent fatalities at Mount Whitney and Mount Bald are a reminder that winter climbing is serious mountaineering, not hiking,” Iyo County Search and Rescue said in a recent statement.
“Winter conditions leave little room for error and the consequences can be severe,” they added. “In addition, many fatalities occur when individuals are traveling alone or when groups are traveling separately.”
They went on to say that the safety of a person in a group “should be taken seriously”.
“Fatigue is also a key influencing factor,” they added. “Prolonged exertion can negatively impact decision-making and increase the likelihood of mistakes and falls. Knowing when to turn can save lives.”
The rescuers’ statement concluded: “Please respect your comments. Family and friends of the victim may be concerned about this article, and some comments may be hurtful. Thank you!”
According to the National Park Service website, Mount Whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. The summit elevation is reported to be 14,505 feet.
Read the original article on People