Hiker Deaths in California
A search and recovery operation was underway off the coast of Southern California on June 29, 2026, for a missing Camp Pendleton-based Marine. As of June 30, 2026, the circumstances of the Marine's disappearance have not been detailed, and the search continues. This incident is one of several recent disappearances and deaths in California, including a 28-year-old man found deceased in Placer County on June 29 after being reported missing on June 25, and the ongoing FBI investigation into 10 missing or deceased scientists as of April 21, 2026.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 1 developments
Two hikers died in separate incidents in California in early June 2026.
A hiker died on June 7, 2026, after falling on a trail in Ventura County. Another hiker died on June 6, 2026, following a fall in the Hollywood Hills. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
June 2026 — 7 developments
Man Found Dead in Placer County Cliff Fall After Being Reported Missing
A 28-year-old man was found deceased in Placer County on June 29, 2026, after his car was discovered at the bottom of a cliff. He had been reported missing on June 25.
Search Underway for Missing Camp Pendleton Marine Off California Coast
A search and recovery operation was underway off the coast of Southern California for a missing Camp Pendleton-based Marine as of June 29, 2026. The circumstances of the Marine's disappearance are not yet detailed.
Body of unidentified man discovered in Dixon; investigation pending
The body of a man was discovered in an outdoor area near Milk Farm Road in Dixon on Sunday evening, June 21, 2026. The Dixon Police Department responded after a passerby reported finding the deceased individual. An autopsy has been performed, but the results and official cause of death are still pending, and the man's identity has not yet been confirmed.
Hiker Dies After Apparent Fall in Los Padres National Forest
A 22-year-old male hiker died in Los Padres National Forest on Sunday, June 8, 2026, after an apparent fall on the Last Chance Trail. The incident occurred while the hiker was with friends.
Hiker Dies in Hollywood Hills Following Rescue Attempt
An unidentified hiker, believed to be in his 50s, died in the Hollywood Hills on Saturday, June 8, 2026, after a rescue attempt by the Los Angeles Fire Department. The hiker was pronounced dead shortly after responders were lowered to his location via helicopter.
California Search and Rescue Operations Underway for Kern River Victim; Two Hiker Deaths Reported on Mt. Wilson Trail
Search and rescue operations are underway for a man swept away in the Kern River, with authorities urging caution due to swift and dangerous conditions. Additionally, two separate hiker deaths were reported on the Mt. Wilson trail in May 2026, one due to a medical emergency and another from a fall.
Search Called Off for Hiker Missing Since May in Desolation Wilderness
A large-scale search for hiker Jason Coughran, missing since May 25th in Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe, has been called off. The case is now being treated as a missing person investigation after deteriorating weather conditions hampered efforts.
April 2026 — 7 developments
FBI investigates potential links in 10 missing or deceased scientists' cases
The FBI is investigating potential connections between the cases of 10 missing or deceased scientists, including a hiker who disappeared in Los Angeles County in June 2025. The investigation is ongoing as of April 21, 2026.
Authorities investigate suspicious death of Joanna Ruth Shields near Big Sur hot springs
Authorities are investigating the death of Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, as suspicious after her body was found near Sykes Hot Springs in the Big Sur wilderness on April 16, 2026. Toxicology results are pending as part of the ongoing investigation into the cause and manner of her death.
Bjorn Miller's body found at cliff base near Fort Bragg Beach after 70-foot fall
The body of 37-year-old Bjorn "Bear" Miller from Oklahoma was found at the base of a cliff near Fort Bragg Beach on April 11, 2026, following a 70-foot fall. An autopsy indicated blunt force trauma and ocean submersion as the preliminary cause of death, with foul play not suspected.
Hiker's Body Found Near Sykes Hot Springs; Retrieval Efforts Hampered by Weather
The body of a deceased hiker was discovered near Sykes Hot Springs in Los Padres National Forest on April 9, 2026. Monterey County Sheriff's Search and Rescue teams are attempting to retrieve the body, but challenging weather conditions are hindering their efforts. No public safety threats are indicated in the area.
Body Recovered Near Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur During Hiker Death Investigation
A body was recovered near Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur on April 10, 2026, during an investigation into hiker deaths. The individual has not yet been identified, and the circumstances surrounding their death are under investigation.
Three bodies found near Big Sur; San Diego man dies on Pacific Crest Trail
Three bodies were discovered near Big Sur on April 9, 2024, during a search for a missing hiker, with investigations into their deaths ongoing. On the same day, Ian Maclurg of San Diego died from a medical emergency on a remote section of the Pacific Crest Trail near Anza.
Hiker Dies on Pacific Crest Trail Near Anza, California
A hiker died on a remote section of the Pacific Crest Trail near Anza in Riverside County, California, on April 9, 2026. Rescue efforts were complicated by challenging terrain and weather conditions. The investigation into the cause of death is ongoing.
January 2026 — 3 developments
Hiker found deceased in El Capitan County Preserve after going missing over weekend
A 40-year-old hiker was found deceased on March 23, 2026, in El Capitan County Preserve after going missing over the weekend. Separately, another hiker was found dead on Mount Baldy on January 22, 2026, after continuing a climb despite safety concerns.
California Park Officials Re-evaluate Safety, Consider Permits for Mount Baldy After Hiker Deaths
California 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.
Two hikers identified as Juan Sarat Lopez and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia found dead on Mount Baldy
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.
December 2025 — 9 developments
California Park Officials Consider Mount Baldy Permit System After Hikers Identified
Authorities 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.
Bodies of 3 hikers recovered from Mount Baldy after winter storm
The bodies of the three hikers were recovered from Mount Baldy on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, days after a winter storm.
Authorities continue recovery efforts for three deceased hikers on Mount Baldy
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.
Mount Baldy closes after three deaths, hiking groups add safety disclaimers
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.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Closes Mount Baldy Until 2025
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.
Recovery operations underway for three bodies, hampered by strong winds and challenging terrain
Recovery operations for the three bodies were reported to be underway, though still hampered by strong winds and challenging terrain.
Air medic confirms three individuals deceased after being hoisted to location
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.
Rescue personnel locate injured hiker, but severe winds prevent helicopter rescue
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.
Hiker falls 500 feet near Devil's Backbone trail on Mount Baldy
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.
January 2024 — 1 developments
Three Hikers Die After Jumping Into Rattlesnake Falls in California
Three hikers have died after jumping into Rattlesnake Falls in California, with their bodies recovered days later. The Placer County Sheriff's Office reported the terrain was extremely remote and difficult to access, making rescue attempts challenging. A helicopter evacuation was required for the three surviving members of the hiking group.