“On December 29, 2025, at about 11:30 am, personnel from the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team and the Fontana Sheriff’s Station responded to a request to locate an injured 19 year-old male hiker near Devils Backbone. The hiker reportedly fell approximately 500 feet. His friend and hiking companion hiked to an area with cellular service and provided GPS coordinates to assist rescuers.”
“Search and Rescue ground crews began their ascent while Sheriff’s Air Rescue initiated an aerial search. During the aerial search, deputies located the injured hiker and located two additional individuals nearby who have not been identified. Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue. At approximately 7:30 pm, an airship from Los Angeles County assisted in the effort. High winds again prevented a hoist operation; 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,” says a press release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office.
Damn. Hopefully next time they search for one missing hiker they find three still alive.