LOS ANGELES — Three hikers were found dead on Southern California’s Mount Baldy after severe winds thwarted rescue attempts, authorities said Tuesday.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies initially responded Monday to reports of an injured 19-year-old who fell approximately 500 feet near the Devil’s Backbone trail. During an aerial search, crews located the teen and two other unidentified hikers nearby.
Strong winds prevented a helicopter rescue, but an air medic hoisted to the site Monday evening confirmed all three were deceased. Authorities noted the two unidentified individuals were part of a separate group and were discovered by chance during the search for the teenager.
A recovery operation is underway on the 10,064-foot peak, which is currently covered in snow from recent winter storms.
California: Three hikers found dead
