3 hikers, including 19-year-old, found dead on Mount Baldy, sheriff's department says

MOUNT BALDY, Calif. (KABC) -- Three hikers, including a 19-year-old, were found dead in the Mount Baldy area on Monday, authorities said.

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According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, a search and rescue team initially responded to a request to find an injured 19-year-old hiker who fell about 500 feet near Devils Backbone.

The sheriff's department said the teen's friend who was hiking with him went over to an area that had cellular service and called authorities for help. That's when crews began searching the area, with a team flying above the mountain.

During the aerial search, deputies found the 19-year-old then found the bodies of two other hikers nearby. The two other hikers were not with the teen and his friend, authorities clarified.

The sheriff's department said they were unaware of the separate hikers' whereabouts and happened to locate them during their search for the teen.

"It is extremely unusual to have three persons die at the same time, or found dead at the same time while they're out hiking," said SBCSD's Jenny Smith.

All three hikers have not been identified. Meantime, the teen's friend who called for help was not injured, authorities said.

The sheriff's department said that due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue. Then, at around 7:30 p.m., a Los Angeles County aircraft was used to help.

"High winds again prevented a hoist operation," said the sheriff's department. "However, an air medic was hoisted down and confirmed all three individuals were deceased. Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue."

All three bodies were recovered Tuesday, according to SBCSD.

Smith said that "over the past weekend we've had approximately five rescues, not including these three."

The three are now the latest victims of Devil's Backbone, the trail that lures thrill seekers to the snow capped San Gabriel mountain's highest peak.

In Jan. 2023, the famed actor Julian Sands died along the very same trail. It took rescuers months to recover his body.

Mount Baldy trails closed

As crews continue their investigation, Mount Baldy trails have been closed.

The U.S. Forest Service announced a temporary closure and prohibition order Tuesday for a portion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, including Mount Baldy.

The order will remain in effect until Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.

"The tragic loss of life on Mt. Baldy and repeated rescue responses highlight how dangerous current conditions are, even for experienced hikers," said San Bernardino County Sheriff Sheriff Shannon Dicus in a statement about the closure. "Weather and terrain conditions remain extremely dangerous and unpredictable, posing a significant risk to both the public and Search and Rescue personnel. The temporary closure of Mt. Baldy trails is necessary to prevent additional emergencies and protect lives. The public is urged to respect the closure and avoid the area until it is safe to reopen."

The sheriff's department says violators could face a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization. The department is asking everyone to stay away from the Mount Baldy area for the duration of the closure.

Two other hikers rescued in same area

Meantime, in a separate unrelated incident, the sheriff's department says two men were rescued in the same area.

This incident happened at the Ontario Peak Trail just before 2 p.m. on Monday.

The men - an 18-year-old and a 31-year-old - were hiking when one of them fell about 100 feet, leaving him injured, authorities said. They were able to call 911 for help and gave deputies their location.

"San Bernardino County Sheriff's Air Rescue arrived on scene, located the hikers, and performed a hoist rescue," said the sheriff's department in a statement.

The sheriff's department reiterated that this incident was a separate incident and is not related to the hikers found dead.

In total, there have been six rescue operations since Sunday, according to the department. There were two people rescued on Sunday, two on Monday and two on Tuesday. This does not include the three hikers found dead.

Meantime, authorities are reminding people to prepare adequately before hiking and avoid hiking during inclement weather conditions. They also urge hikers to carry a GPS device, and only hike on open and designated trails.