Teenager from Seal Beach Identified Among Hikers Found on Mount Baldy
Tragic Hiker Incident Near Mount Baldy Claims Lives
Three hikers were found dead Wednesday in the Devil’s Backbone trail area near the summit of Mount Baldy, situated in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles. Among the deceased is 19-year-old Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, a Seal Beach resident, who was discovered following a search that began after an injured hiker was reported on Monday.
The search was prompted when a friend of the injured hiker managed to reach a cellular service area to alert rescuers. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the injured hiker had reportedly fallen approximately 500 feet. In the course of the aerial search, deputies located the injured individual alongside two others, who were later confirmed deceased.
Search efforts were hampered by strong winds that prevented helicopter crews from completing a hoist operation. At around 7:30 p.m., a medic was lowered to the scene, where all three individuals were found to have perished. As of Tuesday, recovery efforts for the bodies were underway, though the ages of the other two victims and details regarding their presence in the area remain undisclosed.
Mount Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, stands at over 10,000 feet, making it the highest peak in both the San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles County. The trails in this region, including the challenging Devil’s Backbone, become especially hazardous due to snow and ice during winter months.
“This is an extremely dangerous trail that is not carved out in a way that a regular hiker could hike and be safe,” said Jenny Smith, public information officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. "It is one of the most dangerous trails we have in our area. We definitely don’t want novice hikers going up and hurting themselves."
Smith further noted that rescue operations in the Mount Baldy area occur almost daily, highlighting a worrying trend. "It is almost an everyday occurrence that we’re rescuing people who need help who cannot get off of the mountain," she added. "The weather can change in an instant. Conditions change rapidly. We’re trying to encourage everyone to stay off the mountain."
In a separate incident that occurred the same afternoon, rescuers responded to Ontario Peak Trail after reports of two stranded hikers, ages 18 and 31. One of these hikers suffered an injury from a fall of about 100 feet but was subsequently rescued by helicopter.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department emphasizes the importance of preparation for hikers, urging them to bring appropriate gear, avoid hiking during adverse weather, utilize GPS devices, and stick to designated trails.
In light of these incidents, a temporary closure order has been imposed for the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, including the Mount Baldy area. The closure is set to remain in effect until Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. Violating this order can result in fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, in addition to potential imprisonment for up to six months.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus commented on the situation, saying, "The tragic loss of life on Mt. Baldy and repeated rescue responses highlight how dangerous current conditions are, even for experienced hikers. Weather and terrain conditions remain extremely dangerous and unpredictable, posing a significant risk to both the public and Search and Rescue personnel. The temporary closure of Mt. Baldy trails is necessary to prevent additional emergencies and protect lives. The public is urged to respect the closure and avoid the area until it is safe to reopen."
