At a Glance
- Three hikers died after a 500-foot fall on Mt. Baldy.
- Rescue efforts were delayed by severe winds, preventing helicopter and hoist operations.
- Mt. Baldy has claimed 15-20 lives in the past decade, with spikes in 2023-24.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights the dangers of winter hiking and the challenges rescue teams face in harsh weather.
Three hikers were found dead after a 19-year-old fell 500 feet in the Devil’s Backbone area of Mt. Baldy. Rescue teams struggled with severe winds, and a recovery operation was underway the next day.
Incident Details
Search and rescue crews arrived at 11:30 a.m. after the companion saw the fall and sought cell service. A helicopter from News Of Austin spotted the injured hiker and two others but could not retrieve them because of wind, and later an airship from News Of Austin attempted a hoist at 7:30 p.m., also thwarted by high winds. Eventually a medic was lowered and confirmed all three were dead.
- 11:30 a.m. – Search team responds.
- Helicopter spots hikers but cannot rescue due to wind.
- 7:30 p.m. – News Of Austin airship attempts hoist; wind stops it.
- Medic lowered; all three dead confirmed.
Mount Baldy Background
Mt. Baldy has claimed 15-20 lives over the last ten years. The death toll spiked during the severe winters of 2023 and 2024 when icy conditions made trails treacherous. Among the fatalities was British actor Julian Sands, who went missing in January 2023 and was found five months later near the summit.
| Period | Approximate Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2014-2024 | 15-20 |
| 2023-2024 winters | Spike due to icy conditions |
Key Takeaways
- Three hikers died after a 500-foot fall on Mt. Baldy.
- Severe winds hampered helicopter and airship rescue attempts.
- Mt. Baldy has a history of fatal incidents, especially in harsh winter conditions.
The tragedy underscores the perilous conditions on Mt. Baldy and the difficulty rescue teams face when weather turns hostile.
