California: 3 found dead during search for fallen hiker
A search for a fallen 19-year-old hiker on Mount Baldy, California, tragically led to the discovery of three deceased individuals, including the initial hiker. Severe winds hampered rescue and recovery efforts. Mount Baldy has been temporarily closed due to dangerous conditions, and recovery operations for the bodies are currently underway.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this story2026
2 updates
2026
2 updatesCalifornia park officials are re-evaluating safety protocols and discussing implementing a permitting system for Mount Baldy after a recent tragedy involving three hiker deaths on the mountain, including a 19-year-old who fell and two other men found deceased.
via theguardian.com
The two additional hikers found dead on Mount Baldy on December 29th have been identified as Juan Sarat Lopez, 37, and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, 36, both residents of Los Angeles and Guatemalan nationals. They are believed to have fallen from the Devil's Backbone Trail.
2025
9 updates
2025
9 updatesAuthorities have identified the two previously unknown deceased hikers as Juan Sarat Lopez, 37, and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, 36. Following the deaths, California park officials are considering renewed calls for a permitting process to hike Mount Baldy.
The bodies of the three hikers were recovered from Mount Baldy on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, days after a winter storm.
Recovery efforts for the three deceased hikers are still ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the dangerous and unpredictable weather and terrain conditions on Mount Baldy. The identities of the two additional deceased hikers remain unknown.
via denvergazette.com·sfgate.com·people.com·newser.com·smdailyjournal.com
Mount Baldy has been closed following the three deaths, and hiking organizations are now adding disclaimers due to serious issues with hikers not following safety guidelines. The area is experiencing its highest number of missing hikers.
via reddit.com
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced a temporary closure order for Mount Baldy until New Year's Day (December 31, 2025) to protect natural resources and ensure public safety due to dangerous conditions.
via denvergazette.com·sfgate.com·people.com·newser.com·smdailyjournal.com
Recovery operations for the three bodies were reported to be underway, though still hampered by strong winds and challenging terrain.
via denvergazette.com·sfgate.com·people.com·newser.com·smdailyjournal.com
Around 7:30 p.m., a Los Angeles County airship assisted, and an air medic was hoisted down to the location. The medic confirmed that all three individuals spotted were deceased.
via denvergazette.com·sfgate.com·people.com·newser.com·smdailyjournal.com
Rescue personnel launched ground and helicopter efforts. During an aerial search, the injured hiker and two other individuals were located. However, severe winds prevented the helicopter from landing or performing a rescue.
via denvergazette.com·sfgate.com·people.com·newser.com·smdailyjournal.com
Around 11:30 a.m., a call was received regarding a 19-year-old male hiker who had fallen approximately 500 feet near the Devil's Backbone trail on Mount Baldy. His friend hiked to an area with cellular service to provide GPS coordinates for rescue.
via denvergazette.com·sfgate.com·people.com·newser.com·smdailyjournal.com
Story began · 2 months ago