Rescuers discovered the bodies of three hikers on the Devil’s Back Trail on Bald Mountain on Monday, Dec. 29, authorities said.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, search and rescue team members were looking for a hiker who had fallen off a trail and eventually encountered all three victims.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. when a 19-year-old man fell from the trail approximately 500 feet, the agency said in a written statement.
Devil’s Back Trail in Bald Mountain.
“His friend and fellow hiker hiked to an area with cell service and provided GPS coordinates to assist rescuers,” the statement said.
Officials launched a search from the air and on the ground.
“During an aerial search, deputies located the injured hiker and two other unidentified individuals nearby,” the statement said.
However, the helicopter was unable to reach the personnel due to strong winds.
During a second attempt around 7:30 p.m., officers managed to hoist a medic to the victim, sheriff’s officials said. All three were confirmed dead.
Efforts to recover the bodies continued Tuesday as high winds continued to pose challenges.
The victim has not yet been identified. No further details are available at this time.
The area will be closed until January 1
The U.S. Forest Service has issued temporary closures and bans on portions of San Gabriel National Monument, including Bald Mountain, until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 31.
The department said the closure was to “protect natural resources and ensure public safety.”
“The tragic loss of life and repeated rescue efforts on Bald Mountain highlights how dangerous the current conditions can be, even for experienced hikers,” said San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus.
“Weather and terrain conditions remain extremely hazardous and unpredictable, posing a significant risk to both the public and search and rescue personnel,” he said. “The temporary closure of the Bald Mountain Trail is necessary to prevent further emergencies and protect lives. The public is urged to adhere to the closure and avoid the area until it is safe to reopen.”
Entertainment venues closed include:
Additional details, including a copy of the closure order, are available online at fs.usda.gov/r05/angeles/alerts/mt-baldy-emergency-closure.
“The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department advises all subjects not to travel to or recreate in the Bald Mountain area during the closure,” the department’s statement said. “Public cooperation is vital to ensure the safety of visitors and rescue workers and to support ongoing public safety operations.”
Violations of the order may include fines of up to $5,000 for individuals, $10,000 for organizations, and up to six months in prison, or both.
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Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at (909) 356-6767, or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (909) 387-8313. You can also provide information anonymously through the We-Tip Hotline at (800) 782-7463.
(This story will be updated as more information becomes available.)
This article originally appeared in the Victorville Daily News: Three hikers found dead on Bald Mountain, rescue efforts underway