Three Hikers Found Dead on Mount Baldy's Devil's Backbone After Wind-Hampered Rescue
Three hikers, including a 19-year-old who reportedly fell 500 feet, were found dead on Mount Baldy's Devil's Backbone after Santa Ana winds prevented helicopter landings.
Boston HeraldRescue crew finds 3 hikers dead in Southern California mountains during strong winds
CNNRescue crew finds 3 hikers dead in Southern California mountains during strong winds
ABC News3 found dead during search for fallen hiker in California, authorities say
The GuardianThree hikers found dead on southern California’s Mount Baldy
Overview
An emergency call at 11:30 a.m. Monday reported a 19-year-old falling about 500 feet; San Bernardino County deputies launched search and aerial reconnaissance on Mount Baldy.
Strong Santa Ana winds, with isolated gusts up to 70 mph, prevented two helicopter landing attempts, complicating efforts to reach injured hikers by air.
Hikers reached areas with cellular service and provided GPS coordinates, which guided ground teams and aerial crews to the group's location on the Devil's Backbone Trail.
A medic hoisted down from a helicopter located three people; by 7:30 p.m. deputies confirmed three deaths after lowering bodies to crews on the scene.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has not released identities or causes of death as of Tuesday; the area is near where actor Julian Sands previously died.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the inherent dangers of hiking on Mt. Baldy, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The narrative is shaped through language choices like "treacherous" and "notorious," and by highlighting past incidents, including the death of actor Julian Sands. This framing underscores the mountain's perilous reputation and justifies the trail's closure.