Search and rescue teams have successfully recovered the bodies of three hikers from Mount Baldy, following a delay caused by hazardous weather conditions on the treacherous peak.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Tuesday evening that an air rescue team was able to retrieve the bodies at approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
The operation began Monday after a friend of a 19-year-old hiker reported seeing the teen fall roughly 500 feet from the Devil’s Backbone trail. The witness provided deputies with specific GPS coordinates, which led rescuers to the site. Upon arrival, a medic lowered to the scene and found three deceased individuals.
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While the victims were located quickly, severe winds and “breezy, chilly” conditions initially grounded helicopter crews, forcing them to pause extraction efforts until the weather cleared.
Mount Baldy is frequently cited as one of the most dangerous climbs in the United States, particularly along the exposed ridges where this week’s tragedy occurred. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the hikers.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Hazardous weather conditions have stalled efforts to recover the bodies of three hikers found dead on Mount Baldy, following a tragic fall reported earlier this week.
The grim discovery came after the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department launched a search on Monday. Officials were alerted by a friend of a 19-year-old hiker who witnessed the teen plummet approximately 500 feet from the notorious Devil’s Backbone trail. The witness was able to provide deputies with specific GPS coordinates of the fall.
Upon reaching the location, search and rescue teams located three individuals. A medic lowered to the scene confirmed that all three were deceased. Authorities have not yet clarified if the other two victims were part of the teenager’s group or were discovered during the search for the 19-year-old.
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While rescuers successfully located the hikers, severe winds have made immediate extraction impossible. Sheriff’s officials stated that the weather conditions were too dangerous for a helicopter hoist operation, forcing teams to wait for a break in the elements to retrieve the bodies.
Mount Baldy is frequently cited as one of the deadliest peaks in the United States. At the time of the incident, the mountain was experiencing “breezy and chilly” weather, with strong gusts that complicated the terrain on the exposed ridges of the Devil’s Backbone.
Recovery operations remain on hold until wind speeds drop to safe levels.
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