A hiker fell to his death on the icy Pacific Crest Trail in the San Jacinto Mountains on Friday.
A rescue team responded at about 9:38 am, according to Cal Fire. A man had fallen into a gorge, about 600 feet off the trail in the area of Apple Canyon Road and Bonita Vista Road, reports the Press Enterprise. The area still has ice and snow according to officials.
INACCESSIBLE RESCUE – RPTD @ 9:38 A.M. Pacific Crest Trail near Mountain Center. 1 Chief Officer, 5 Engines, 1 Truck, 1 Squad, 1 Ambulance, 24 FFs. FFs e/r to hiker w/unk injuries. @CHP Helicopter (H60) e/r to assist. Updates as info becomes avail. #PacificIncident
— CAL FIRE Riverside (@CALFIRERRU) March 27, 2020
A helicopter spotted the hiker and his three companions.
After initially being forced to land because of poor weather, the helicopter was eventually able to lower a rescue crew who then hiked to the victim. The rescuers found the victim dead.
#PacificIncident [UPDATE] Rescuer's from H60 made access to the hiker. The hiker succumbed to their injuries prior to rescuers arrival. Riverside County Sheriff's Department is overseeing the incident.
— CAL FIRE Riverside (@CALFIRERRU) March 27, 2020
