| March 2007 | ||
Date: March 5, 2007 Time: 0130-0500 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Roan MM 5.59 Details: Unavailable Date: March 11, 2007 Time: 1345-1600 Operation Type: Injured Hiker Location: Iron Mountain Details: Victim was hiking with friend up the Heaton Flats Trail to Iron Mountain when the victim started to complain of chest pain and became unconscious. His friend hiked three hours down the trail to get help. Air 5 arrived on scene and located victim. Victim was deceased. Date: March 18, 2007 Time: 1500-1530 Operation Type: Motorcyclist Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Road MM 6.0 Details: Call cancelled prior to team leaving the station. Motorcyclist was able to climb up to roadway on his own, when over approximately 20 feet. No injuries. |
||
| February 2007 | ||
Date: February 14, 2007 Time: 1020-1250 Operation Type: Injured Person Location: Mt Baldy Road between the tunnels Details: Victim was hiking with brother along a ridge line at the location, west of Mt Baldy Rd. Victim slipped and fell 40 feet, hitting his head several times. Victim was unconscious. Team, along with Mt Baldy Fire and ESD stabilized victim and then hoisted victim up into Air 5. Victim was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital. Date: February 18, 2007 Time: 2020-2220 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Mt Baldy Roan MM5.51 Details: Patrol was checking turn-outs and observed what was a vehicle over the side, unknown how recent. The team was requested to check it out. Team located an old service bed (rusted) from a truck that was 150 feet over the side. No victim(s). Area checked for any additional vehicles with negative results. Date: February 21, 2007 Time: 1100-1340 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Road MM 6.2 Details: LA County Public Works observed a vehicle over the side, notified patrol. Vehicle was approximately 625 feet over the side. The area and vehicle were checked by Air 5 with negative results for any victim(s). Vehicle is a reported stolen and to be recovered. |
||
| January 2007 | ||
Date: January 4, 2007 Time:1300-1700 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Hwy 39 MM 24.19 Details: Vehicle found approximately 300 feet over the side. First checked by USFS Engine 24, no victims located. Team called to conduct a hillside search. No victims were located. Date: January 22, 2007 Time: 0730-1000 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: San Dimas Canyon Road MM 0.06 Details: CHP saw a vehicle over the side while patrolling road. Upon examining the area, the Officer observed a male victim sitting outside the vehicle and on the mountain side, approximately 150 feet down. Officer requested the team. Team Members got down to victim, checked and packaged victim to be littered up. Victim was then transported to a helispot via ground ambulance and then flown to LAC/USC medical center. Victim received minor injuries only. Victim stated he when over the side at 2330 hrs on 01-21-07. Date: January 24, 2007 Time: 1345-1515 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Mt Baldy Road/ Shinn Road Details: Possible attempted suicide by driving vehicle over the side. Fire on scene and handled prior to team’s arrival. Date: January 26, 2007 Time: 0800-1300 Operation Type: Area Search Location: Shoemaker Canyon Road between the tunnels Details: Requested by LASD Homicide to search area regarding a possible missing person from La Mirada that was last seen on 01-07-07 related to a stolen vehicle that occurred in the canyon. No signs or scent located by dogs. Date: January 27-28, 2007 Time: 2000-0500 Operation Type: Overdue Hikers Location: South Mt. Hawkins Details: Reported two overdue hikers on a day hike to South Mt Hawkins. Hikers were due home by 1700 hours. One of the hikers’ girlfriend notified LASD. Both hikers were found at 0106 hrs on Sunday, 01-28-07. One of the hikers suffered a broken left tibia/fibula. Hiker was littered out by squads. Released at location and sought his own medical treatment. |
||
| December 2007 | ||
Date: December 3, 2006 Time:0915-1815 Operation Type: Search Assist Location: Islip Saddle/South Fork Details: Assist Montrose SAR with missing hiker. Date: December 9, 2006 Time:1730-2230 Operation Type: Cliffhanger Location: East Fork/Cape Horn Details: Victim climbed 600 feet up the mountain side and became stuck. Victim yelled down for help. Team Members climbed up and assisted victim down. No injuries and refused any medical attention. Date: December 13, 2006 Time: 1200-1500 Operation Type: Evidence Search Location: End of Shoemaker Road Details: Requested by LASD Homicide to conduct a search of the hillside for any additional evidence from an incident that occurred on 12-12-06. Date: December 26, 2006 Time: 1330-1530 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Road MM 6.47 Details: Reported vehicle over the side. Team located an SUV approximately 100 feet over the side. Vehicle came back as a reported stolen. Hillside checked for any possible victim(s) with negative results. |
||
| October 2006 | ||
Date: October 1, 2006 Time: 0630-1030 Operation Type: Lost Hiker (continuation from 9/30/06 search) Location: Mt. Baldy Road 3.09 Details: Missing Person/Hiker hiking in the area on 09-30-06 with two other friends. Missing Person went over the side down to the river bed, stated he was unable to climb back up to the road. Friends called for help. Search squads searched along the river bed, above and below the point last seen. Team was unable to locate the hiker. Search resumed the morning of 10-01-06. Missing Person was located after searcher yelled his name. Missing Person was found near the point last seen. He stated that he fell asleep and didn’t hear search teams. No injuries. He was transported to station and released to sister. Date: October 13, 2006 Time: 0400-0600 Operation Type: Person Over the Side Location: Hwy 39 MM 23.20 Details: Received call from CHP via 911 of a traffic accident with the vehicle on the roadway, but passing motorist who called said he heard someone yelling from over the side. County Fire received call at 0322 hours, Engine 97 arrived on scene at 0340 hrs, requested team at 0345 hrs. At 0350 hrs, Fire called and cancelled team. At 0355 hrs, Fire called back and requested the team to respond again. Upon team’s arrival, Fire left the location and CHP stated that Fire cleared the canyon below where the vehicle accident occurred on the highway. Team did not conduct a search of the area. Vehicle was not a reported stolen. Date: October 20, 2006 Time: 1035-1105 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Mountain Road MM 0.37 Details: Vehicle reported 150 feet over the side on its top. United States Forest Service on scene. Vehicle checked by USFS and Air 5. No victim(s) located. Team cancelled. Date: October 29, 2006 Time:1000-1100 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Mountain Road MM 1.67 Details: Vehicle reported attempted to be pushed over the side but got stuck on the berm. Driver’s side door found open. While in route to the location, team was advised vehicle was a confirmed stolen via Lojack. Hillside checked by Air 5prior to team’s arrival. Team response was cancelled. Air 5 was unable to locate any victim(s). |
||
| September 2006 | ||
Date: September 6, 2006 Time: 1630-2100 Operation Type: Hillside Search Location: Palmer Canyon Details: Received a call from LASD Homicide saying a vehicle that was involved in a brush fire on 8-28-06 was determined to be a missing person from 8-28-06. They requested that the team conduct a hillside search for possible victim(s). Air 5 flew over the area, but was unable to locate victim (s). At 1630 hours the team went up to the location and located a victim approximately 100 feet over the side. Victim was recovered. Date: September 10, 2006 Time: 1425-1625 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Hwy 39 MM 20.50 Details: Vehicle was traveling northbound on Hwy 39 and when over the side approx 150 feet. The five occupants in vehicle, all were injured but able to climb up the side on their own. Two victims had serious injuries and were flown to LAC-USC Medical Center via Copter 20, three other occupants transported to Foothill Presbyterian Hospital via ground ambulance. Team conducted a hillside search for additional victims none were found. Date: September 13, 2006 Time: 1100-1200 Operation Type: Assist LASD Homicide Location: Hwy 39 MM 22.94 Details: Team was contacted by LASD Homicide regarding possible victim from 3 years ago. Team Members stood by while K-9 searched area. No hits. Detective may request a hillside search at a later date. Date: September 13, 2006 Time: 2300-0200 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Mountain Road MM 0.33 Details: Vehicle went approximately 150 feet over the side. Driver had a fractured right leg. The passenger was able to walk out on his own. Driver was transported to LAC/USC Medical Center via ambulance. Date: September 30, 2006 Time: 2300-0300 Operation Type: Lost Hiker Location: Mt. Baldy Road MM 3.09 Details: Lost hiker was not located, search continued on 10/1/06. |
||
| August 2006 | ||
Date: August 5, 2006 Time: 0230-0800 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Road MM 4.96 Details: Driver was driving east bound on Glendora Ridge Rd at MM 4.96, failed to make curve in roadway and went over the side, approximately 620 feet. Driver suffered major injuries. Passenger received only minor injuries and was able to climb up the mountain side and stop a passing motorist to call for help. Passenger then climbed back down the mountain to wait for help. Driver transported to LAC/USC via Fire helicopter 17. Passenger was released at the scene after refusing medical treatment. Date: August 6, 2006 Time: 2030-2200 Operation Type: Over Due Hikers Location: Iron Mountain Details: Received a call from San Dimas desk who received a call from CV desk of two missing / overdue hikers from Iron Mountain. First believed hikers may have been in the CV area. Informant, wife of hiker said that the two hikers were going up to Iron Mountain. No information on clothing or route of travel. Team checked Heaton Flats parking lot for any vehicle(s) belonging to either missing hiker. No vehicle was located. Called informant and needed more info which she was unable to provide. It was determined that without any additional information, search operation was going to be suspended until more information could be obtained. At 2158 hrs, informant called the station and said that her husband just called and was in route home. Informant stated that both hikers were over extended and not injured. Date: August 8, 2006 Time: 0830-1030 Operation Type: Hillside Search Location: Hwy 39 MM 24.19 Details: Received a call of a possible deceased person over the side. Searched hillside and located a deceased animal approximately 25 feet Date: August 12, 2006 Time: 1045-1345 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Road MM 6.47 Details: Vehicle approximately 100 feet over the side. Vehicle reported as stolen. Area checked by Air 5 and team. No victims were located. Date: August 13, 2006 Time: 1730-1830 Operation Type: Person Injured Over the Side Location: Hwy 39/West Fork Details: Reported female approximately 75 feet over the side with a fractured leg. Team was cancelled prior to arrival. Air 5 was able to get into the location and with the assistance of United States Forest Service and LA County Fire, victim was able to get up to the parking lot. Date: August 28, 2006 Time: 1400-1600 Operation Type: Over Due Hikers Location: East Fork//Bridge to Nowhere Details: Received a call from Informant who stated he dropped off the two missing persons at Vincent Gap on 08-26-06. Both individuals were to hike down the East Fork and spend one night and then hike out to Heaton Flats on 08-27-06 to a vehicle that was parked at the parking lot for them. Vehicle was still parked at the parking lot on 08-28-06 at 1345 hrs. Both missing persons had minimal equipment for overnight. Both missing persons hiked out as team arrived on scene. No injuries reported, signed AMA and released at the location. Air 9 was in route and then cancelled. |
||
| July 2006 | ||
Date: July 1, 2006 Time: 0800-0900 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Mt. Badly Road/Shinn Road Details: Victim drove over the side and down approx 100 feet to access road below. Vehicle rolled several times. The driver (victim) was able to climb out of vehicle and up to roadway. He had minor injuries and was treated at scene by San Bernardino County Fire and transported to San Antonio Hospital via ambulance. Date: July 13, 2006 Time: 0100-1030 Operation Type: Over Due Miners Location: East Fork at the Narrows Details: Miners were going on a day hike and became extended. Both victims located above the “Narrows” by Air 8. No injuries. Date:July 16, 2006 Time:1700-1800 Operation Type: Person Over the Side Location: East Fork Rd at the Oaks Picnic Area Details: Received a call requesting the team regarding a person that was injured and was over the side approximately 20 feet. Call was cancelled at 1830 hours, prior to any team arrival. Date: July 20, 2006 Time: 2045-0030 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Road MM 10.50 Details: The vehicle was stolen and dumped over the side. Date: July 21, 2006 Time: 1745-2000 Operation Type: Injured Hiker Location: Heaton Flats Details: Victim took a group of Explorers on a hike to the Bridge to Nowhere. Victim, while hiking out became fatigue and heat exhaustion. Several Explorers hiked out and called for help while several other Explorers remained with the victim. Air 5 located the victim and transported to Foothill Presbyterian Hospital. No other injuries or illnesses to the remained of the group. Date: July 23, 2006 Time: 1500-1630 Operation Type: Injured Hiker Location: Antonovich Trail / San Dimas Avenue Details: Hiker was hiking on the trail with family and became over heated and couldn’t walk out. Victim had heat exhaustion. Team was requested by County Fire to assist with litter and wheel. Victim was transported to San Dimas Community Hospital via ambulance. |
||
| June 2006 | ||
Date: June 4, 2006 Time: 1645-1945 Operation Type: Injured Hiker Location: East Fork River north of Heaton Flats Details: The victim was hiking with her boyfriend. They started hiking around 1000 hours and walked approximately 3 miles before becoming tired and started back. At approximately 1400 hours, victim became dehydrated and experienced heat exhaustion and was unable to continue hiking. Passing hikers hiked to East Fork Ranger Station to call for help. Victim was approximately 300 yards north of the Heaton Flats Campground. Team hiked to victim’s location and began EMS. Victim transported to Foothill Hospital via Fire Copter 18. Date: June 10, 2006 Time: 1640-1740 Operation Type: Missing Person Location: McKinley Children’s Home Details: Twelve members from Sierra Madre Search and Rescue responded. San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team at training. Missing Person walked away from location and then found by a counselor in Walnut Creek area. Sierra Madre cancelled prior to their arrival. No injuries. Date: June 11, 2006 Time: 2030-2330 Operation Type: Overdue Hikers Location: East Fork Bridge/Bridge to Nowhere Details: Both victims were hiking with other family members up to the Bridge to Nowhere. Both victims started to hike out while the two other family members hiked up stream. Victims apparently took a wrong turn and when up stream and discovered their mistake. The two other family members got to their vehicle and the two victims were not there and waited for an hour. Family then called to report the victims missing / overdue. The two victims walked out just upon our arrival. No injuries and did not request any medical attention. Both victims released to family. Date: June 23, 2006 Time: 1415-2300 Operation Type: Lost Hiker Location: Mt. Baldy Road MM 1.96 Details: Reported Lost Hiker at location. Informant and victim parked at location and went hiking up canyon to waterfalls. Victim climbed above 2nd waterfall and was unable to come back down. Informant attempted to talk victim down but was unable. Informant walked back to vehicle and spent the night. Woke up on Friday, victim still above waterfall. Victim kept saying he was going to hike up the mountain to fire road. Informant had voice contact with victim on Thursday night and again on Friday. Around 1400 hrs, Informant flagged down a passing Mt. Baldy Fire patrol unit who called LA County Fire and then also called San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team. Team searched the area. Air 29 also assisted. Team was unable to locate victim. Search suspended until first light on Saturday. Date: June 24, 2006 Time: 0500-1300 Operation Type: Lost Hiker (Continuation from 06-23-06) Location: Mt. Baldy Road MM 1.96 Details: Continuation of search from Friday, June 23, 2006. Sierra Madre Mountain Rescue Team searched from Sunset Peak Motorway down to Mt. Baldy Road. San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team searched from hiker’s point last seen. He was located at the bottom of drainage, 80 feet below a ridge line and approximately 500 yards west of point last seen. Victim was deceased. Homicide and Coroner were notified. Air 5 hoisted out the victim and team members. Date: June 24, 2006 Time: 1650-1900 Operation Type: Injured/Sick Hiker Location: Heaton Flats Details: Victim was hiking to the Bridge to Nowhere to bungee jump. Hiker started to complain of heat exhaustion approximately 3 miles south of the bridge. She was located by Air 5. She began feeling better and refused to go to hospital. Transported to parking lot and treated by Engine 97. Signed Against Medical Advice and was released at the scene and drove herself home. Date: June 28, 2006 Time: 1600-1800 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Mt. Baldy Road below the 1st Tunnel Details: The vehicle was traveling southbound on Mt. Baldy Road. The driver went over the side and down approximately 200 feet. A total of six victims were involved. Three of the victims were able to climb out and up to the road and later transported to San Antonio Hospital via Cole Shaffer ambulance. The other three were flown to various hospitals. |
||
| May 2006 | ||
Date: May 16, 2006 Time: 1920-2020 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Hwy 39 MM 26.00 Details: Reported vehicle over the side. Call was cancelled due to vehicle not being over the side per 88B. Date: May 17, 2006 Time: 1300-1400 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Hwy 39 MM 28.50 Details: Reported as a vehicle over the side. Fire arrived on scene and reported both driver and the passenger were up on the road and no additional passengers in vehicle. Call cancelled. Date: May 18, 2006 Time: 1815-2015 Operation Type: Missing Person Location: McKinley’s Boy’s Home, San Dimas Details: Both missing persons walked away from location, one victim attempted suicide two weeks ago. Both victims located approximately 1/8 of a mile from the bridge in Walnut Creek. No injuries. Both victims released back to McKinley’s Boy’s Home. Date: May 21, 2006 Time:1800-1900 Operation Type: Cliffhanger Location: Heaton Flats Details: Received a report of two cliffhangers on the East Fork Trail north of Heaton Flats. Both victims were picked off hillside by L.A County Fire Helicopter 18 prior to the Teams arrival. Date: May 21, 2006 Time: 1710-1810 Operation Type: Bicyclist Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Rd MM 5.65 Details: Reported bicyclist went over the side after being struck by a vehicle. Fire arrived on scene and advised victim was up on the road with minor injuries. The victim was transported to Huntington Memorial Hosp via Air 5. CHP handled accident report. Date: May 28, 2006 Time: 1145-1245 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Mountain Road / East Fork Road Details: Passing motorist observed a vehicle over the side on Glendora Mountain Road south of East Fork Road and reported it to the Forest Service. Team arrived and went down to check and discovered only vehicle parts. No vehicle located. Date: May 30, 2006 Time: 2130-2330 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Road MM 7.58 Details: Victim was driving a 86 Toyota along Glendora Ridge Rd and went over approximately 100 feet. Victim had minor injuries, was hoisted out and transported to Foothill Hospital via Fire Copter 12. Date: May 31, 2006 Time: 1030-1130 Operation Type: Injured Construction Worker Location: Hwy 39 / Brown’s Gulch Details: Construction worker down over the side approximately 160 feet and his sprained ankle. He was unable to get back up to top of road. Air 5 was able to hoist the victim up and transported to Foothill Hospital with minor injuries. |
||
| April 2006 | ||
Date: April 9, 2006 Time: 1745-2115 Operation Type: Bicyclist Over the Side Location: San Dimas Canyon Road MM 0.37 Details: Victim was riding his recumbent “Tri-Sled” tricycle northbound on San Dimas Canyon Road with friend. Friend, who was also riding a recumbent tricycle, was ahead of victim and when the friend turned around to check on the victim, friend was unable to locate victim. Appears that victim was traveling too fast for roadway conditions on bicycle. Friend rode back down San Dimas Canyon Road and found the victim 250 feet over the side. Friend rode to Ranger Station and called for help. Victim pronounced dead at 1743 hours by LA County Fire Helicopter 18 paramedic. Team performed recovery operation of victim. Date: April 9, 2006 Time:1545-1645 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Rd MM 0.99 Details: Vehicle reported over the side approximately 50 feet with solo occupant (driver). No injuries and confirmed no other victims in vehicle. Air 5 was first on scene. CHP will handle investigation. Date: April 16, 2006 Time: 1700-2100 Operation Type: Search Possible Missing Person Location: Walnut Creek Park Trail Details: Team contacted by County Park Police regarding an abandoned bicycle found on trail. Also found the word “Help” written in the sand. Team was requested to search the trail and area for any possible victim(s). Team was unable to locate victim (s) or evidence any sort of problem. Date: April 18, 2006 Time: 0600-1430 Operation Type: Search Assist (Sierra Madre) Location: Rincon Red Box Truck Trail Details: Sierra Madre Team had an overdue bicyclist from Monrovia Canyon and requested San Dimas Team to drive and check Rincon Red Box Truck Trail. Subject later found at Cogswell Dam. Date: April 23, 2006 Time: 1000-1200 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Rd MM 7.15 Details: 88 Patrol flagged down by a passing motorist re: vehicle over the side. Team and Air 5 requested. Air 5 arrived and confirmed vehicle had been over the side for a long time. No victims. Vehicle license returned as a stolen. Date: April 24, 2006 Time:1730-1930 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Hwy 39 MM 23.00 Details: CHP requested the Team to conduct a hillside search for possible victim(s) re: dumped stolen vehicle over the side. Area checked OK. Date: April 26, 2006 Time:1630-1930 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Mountain Road MM 1.32 Details: CHP requested Team assistance re: vehicle over the side. Vehicle was reported to CHP by County Road who observed the vehicle. Vehicle, (Silver Mazda Wagon, no license plate), was approximately 350 feet over the side. Not reported stolen. Later reported that vehicle when over the side several days prior and driver was able to get out of vehicle and climb to the top. Air 5 checked the vehicle and did not locate any victim(s). CHP requested Team to check the chute were the vehicle went down. No victims located. CHP will recover vehicle later. Date: April 30, 2006 Time: 1725-1825 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Hwy 39 MM 23.00 Details: 88B Patrol was going south bound on Hwy 39, turned around and stopped in a turn out, heard the sound of a vehicle coming south bound at a high rate of speed. Vehicle saw 88B, hit brakes and went in a skid, striking Sheriff’s vehicle and then when over the side approximately 200 feet. Both occupants were able to climb up the road uninjured. Air 5 checked the hillside and advised no other victims over the side or in the vehicle. |
||
| March 2006 | ||
Date: March 30, 2006 Time: 1840-1940 Operation Type: Overdue Hiker Location: Glendora Mountain Road / Lower Monroe Truck Trail Details: Informant and her husband (victim) were hiking along the creek in Big Dalton Canyon. Both got up to a bicycle trail (Lower Monroe Truck Trail) when victim took a short cut. Informant returned to vehicle parked at the gate. Victim after one hour failed to show up. Informant called station. Victim was only wearing light clothing. At 1900 hours victim walked out on his own. No injuries. |
||
| February 2006 | ||
Date: February 4, 2006 Time: 1400-1600 Operation Type: Injured Hiker Location: East Fork/Bridge to Nowhere Details: Victim hiking and fell onto rock, possible fractured right leg. Hiker was transported to Foothill Hospital via Air 5. Date: February 5, 2006 Time: 1440-1630 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Glendora Ridge Road ¾ Miles East of Glendora Mountain Road Details: Vehicle over the side, approximately 400 feet. Air 5 rescued one victim who was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital and other victim was on the road and transported to Foothill Hospital via AMR. California Highway Patrol handling investigation. Date: February 12, 2006 Time: 1330-1800 Operation Type: Stranded Hikers Location: Mt. Baldy/Bear Flats Trail South of Devil’s Backbone Details: Five victims hiking along the Bear Flats Trail, went off trail and got into icy conditions. One victim called 911 on his cell phone for help. Victims located by Air 5. Two separate hoist operations were conducted, the first was 2 victims, second was 3 victims. ESD paramedics had to set up a raising system for second 3 victims in order to be hoisted safely. No injuries. |
||
| January 2006 | ||
Happy New Year! No Operations! |
||
| December 2005 | ||
Date: December 4, 2005 Time: 0600-0900 Operation Type: Down Aircraft (Glider) Location: East For/Fish Fork Details: Received a call on 12-3-05 of an overdue glider from Crystal Air Park. No ELT on aircraft. Air 19 began a first light search and located aircraft. Both occupants were in aircraft. Air 5 responded and checked both occupants. No injuries. Victims were hoisted out and flown back to Air Park. The Team was never activated due to unknown location or ELT. No flight following recorded per FAA Date: December 19, 2005 Time:1830-1930 Operation Type: Over Due Hikers Location: East Fork/Bridge to Nowhere Details: Six hikers started out to the Bridge to Nowhere. At 1530 hours, 3 hikers continued to hike up to the bridge, the other three turned around and hiked back to the parking lot. At 1800 hours, the three hikers failed to return back to the parking lot. The 3 hikers were not prepared or equipped to hike at night. Victims walked out on their own prior to team’s deployment. No injuries Date: December 29, 2005 Time: 1045-1445 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Mt. Baldy Road/Shinn Road Details: Driver drove his 1955 Chevy over the side and was pronounced dead at the scene. California Highway Patrol investigation determined the accident to be a suicide. Date: December 30,2005 Time: 1900-2200 Operation Type: Hillside Search Location: HWY 39 MM 20.22 Details: Received call from Fire of a vehicle over the side with one possible victim. The Team checked area and unable to locate any vehicle or victim. The Team conducted a hillside sweep of area, also used Fire helicopter to search. |
||
| November 2005 | ||
Date: November 21 Time:1015-1315 Operation Type: Area Search Location: Hwy 39/Brown’ Gulch Details: Received call from Caltrans who was working at location and heard 3 screams for help in canyon below were they were working. Workers believed a vehicle had gone over the side and notified CHP. Fire Helicopter 17 was unable to locate any vehicle over the side. Team Members searched Brown’s Gulch from Hwy 39 to base of San Gabriel Dam. Team Members did not locate any victim(s). Date: November 24 Time: 1100-1110 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Hwy 39 MM 27.5 Details: Reported vehicle over the side. USFS arrived on scene and advised two victims, minor injuries and were out of the vehicle upon their arrival. Vehicle went approximately 50 feet over. Date: November 26-27 Time: 2000-1430 Operation Type: Search Assist SBSO West Valley Location: Mt. Baldy Details: Assisted SBSO West Valley search for a missing female who was hiking the trail from Manker Canyon to Devil’s Backbone to the summit and back. Talked to hiker on cell phone who reported she did not know were she was. The hiker had gone off trail. Contacted Verizon and got cell phone site. Hiker was found on 11-27-05 at 1300 hours in North Fork of Lytle Creek. She was extracted by Air 5. Hiker was not injured. Date: November 27 Time: 1145-1400 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Prairie Fork Road/Heaton Flats Parking Lot Details: Vehicle with solo occupant drove approximately 300 feet over the side. Driver had moderate injuries. Air 5 arrived on scene and transported driver to USC hospital. |
||
| October 2005 | ||
Date: October 9, 2005 Time: 2015-2245 Operation Type: Hillside Search Location: Hwy 39 MM 18.01 Details: A vehicle was reported to have gone over the side of the road. Team members arrived on scene and found the vehicle was upside down on road, it never went over the side. It was determined that the vehicle was a stolen. Team members checked hillside for any possible victim(s) that may have been ejected from the vehicle. No victims were located. Date: October 10, 2005 Time: 1200-1430 Operation Type: Vehicle over the side Location: Glendora Ridge Road MM 6.47 Details: Reported vehicle apparently was involved in a 215 PC on 10-09-05. Vehicle found by informant 75 feet over the side of the road. The vehicle was abandon by suspects. Team members searched area, no victims in vehicle or on hillside. Date: October 12, 2005 Time: 100-0600 Operation Type: Person Stranded Location: Hwy 39 MM 17.25 Details: Reported person stuck on hillside. Victim was located by LA Country Fire Helicopter 15. The victim left the location and was unable to be located. Team members made voice contact with the victim towards the bottom of the hill. Victim stated he did not need any help. All units released. Date: October 21, 2005 Time: 2035-2130 Operation Type: Vehicle over the side Location: Mt. Baldy Road and Mountain Avenue Details: The call was cancelled. Vehicle was in San Bernardino County. |
||
| September 2005 | ||
Date: September 4, 2005 Time: 1200-1330 Operation Type: Injured Hiker Location: East Fork / Bridge to Nowhere Details: Victim was one mile south of the bridge, apparently was injured on September 3, 2005 and was able to get help until September 4, 2005. Located by Air 5 and transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital via Air 5. Date: September 18, 2005 Time: 0730-1330 Operation Type: Vehicle over the side Location: Mt. Baldy Rd MM 3.01 Details: Vehicle went over the side on September 17, 2005 at approximately 2030 with four occupants. Male victim called on cell phone on the morning of September 17 around 0600 to 911 to San Bernardino County Fire Department. Vehicle located approximately 200 feet over the side. Male victim transported to Arrowhead Regional Hospital via California Highway Patrol helicopter and female victim transported to Holy Cross via LA County Fire helicopter. Two female victims were dead upon arrival of rescuers. Date: September 22, 2005 Time: 2100-2130 Operation Type: Vehicle over the side Location: Hwy 39 MM 20.50 Details: Reported vehicle witnessed to go over the side. Driver (sole occupant) was able to get out and climb to the top. No injuries were reported. Date: September 23, 2005 Time: 0500-0530 Operation Type: Missing Person Location: East Fork Rd / Hwy 39 Details: Reported as a person who was missing since 2300 hrs on September 22, 2005. Friends apparently playing a game on missing person and missing person took off running. Missing person found at approximately 0515 hiding in bushes. No injuries were reported. Date: September 30, 2005 Time: 0945-1045 Operation Type: Vehicle over the side Location: Mt. Baldy Rd MM 5.60 Details: Vehicle reported stolen and dumped approximately 100 feet over the side. No victims were located and the engine of vehicle was missing. California Highway Patrol will handle the recovery of the vehicle. |
||
| August 2005 | ||
Date: August 7, 2005 Time: 1900-2030 Operation Type: Overdue Hikers Location: East Fork / Bridge to Nowhere Details: Information came into San Dimas Station reporting three overdue hikers who left on Saturday, August 6, 2005 at 1100 hours to the Bridge to Nowhere and were due out at 1700 hours on August 7, 2005. Male Adult hiker was a known diabetic. Hikers got out at 1845 hrs and were in good condition, no need for medical attention. Date: August 9, 2005 Time:1930-0100 Operation Type: Persons over the side Location: San Antonio Creek / Barrett Stoddard Rd Details: First victim (Male 27 yrs old) was climbing down to waterfall to go swimming. Fell approximately 30 feet and received injuries to both ankles. Two other victims climbed down to the first victim to help, unable to climb back up the hillside, yelled to other family members to get help. First victim had to be littered up via winch, transported to Cedars-Sinai via Fire Copter 12. Two other victims had to be winched up with Team Members. No other injuries. Date: August 13, 2005 Time:1315-1445 Operation Type: Person Injured Location: Widman Ranch Details: Victim fell and suffered injured neck. Fire Helicopter 12 was able to get into location and transport victim to Huntington Memorial Hospital. Date: August 13, 2005 Time:2115-0015 Operation Type: Vehicle over the side Location: Glendora Ridge Road MM 0.71 Details: 1st reported on San Dimas Canyon Road at MM 0.74, then changed to Glendora Ridge Road at MM 4.92, then changed to Glendora Ridge Road at MM 0.71. Fire already on scene upon team’s arrival, 3 victims went over the side approximately 150 feet. All victims extracted by Fire Helicopter. One victim transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital via Copter 12, two other victims transported to Foothill Presbyterian Hospital via AMR ambulance. Date: August 21, 2005 Time:1400-1530 Operation Type: Mutual Aid Assist Location: Wheeler Ave at Yeager Ave, La Verne Details: Assisted La Verne Police Department with a search of area for any identifiers from a 902A male victim that occurred on August 19, 2005. Date: August 23, 2005 Time: 2130-0030 Operation Type: Stranded Bicyclist Location: Lower Monroe Truck Trail Details: Victim was riding his mountain bike up the trail to the top, turned around and while on his way down the trail he ran out of daylight. Victim did not have a light source. The victim called on his cell phone for help and was located on trail by search squad. No injuries. Victim escorted down the trail by Team Members. |
||
| July 2005 | ||
Date: July 2 Time: 0900-1330 Operation Type: Vehicle over the side Location: Mt Baldy Rd MM 5.55 Details: Driver committed suicide by driving his van over the side. Incident witnessed by San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team on patrol driving behind the van at the time. Investigation is being handled by the Claremont Police Department. Date: July 2 Time: 1330-1530 Operation Type: Assist SBSO Location: Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts Details: Assist SBSO who requested our assistance for a cliff hanger near Tower 4 on Lift 1. SBSO Air 6 was able to safely get to the victim. Date: July 7 Time:1700-1830 Operation Type: Vehicle over the side Location: Glendora Ridge Rd MM 9.30 Details: Vehicle is a dump stolen approximately 300 feet over the side. Vehicle checked by Air 5 for any possible victim(s) with negative results. California Highway Patrol was the informant. Date: July 8 Time: 1730-1830 Operation Type: Person stuck in a tree Location: Leroy’s Boys Home Details: Victim climbed up tree and was throwing pine cones at people, refused to come down. Requested by County Fire to get victim down and detain him. Date: July 12 Time: 0800-1030 Operation Type: Vehicle over the side Location: Hwy 39 MM 20.23 Details: Vehicle located approximately 75 feet over the side. Found by United States Forestry Service who observed fresh skid marks on roadway. Vehicle not a reported stolen, believed to have occurred the night before when driver who was apparently driving too fast on curve and lost control and when over the side. California Highway Patrol handling the investigation. Team conducted a hillside search for any possible victim(s) and the results were negative. Date: July 17 Time: 1030-1130 Operation Type: Vehicle over the side Location: Hwy 39 at East Fork Rd Details: Team requested by County Fire to respond regarding a reported vehicle over the side. USFS E-16 arrived on scene and was unable to locate any vehicle. There is a possibility that a vehicle rolled down the hill into the OHV. Date: July 17 Time: 1700-1800 Operation Type: Search Assist Montrose Search and Rescue Location: Mt. Williamson Details: Team advised by USFS of a reported overdue hiker at Mt. Islip. Updated information changed search area to Mt Williamson. Team notified Montrose and advised SDMRT would also respond. United States Forestry Service arrived at parking lot and found overdue hiker in his vehicle. |
||
| June 2005 | ||
Date: June 6 Time: 1300-1430 Operation Type: Water Rescue Location: San Gabriel River MM 17.00 Details: Two male adults rafting in San Gabriel River at a low head dam. Rafters went over the dam and into the water. The 1st victim was found approx 100 yards down stream in full cardiac arrest. Transported to Foothill Hospital via Air 5 and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The 2nd victim found hanging onto inner tube and bought to shore by Fire Department and was transported to Huntington Hospital by AMR ambulance in serious condition. Date: June 11 Time: 0700-1500 Operation Type: Search, Assist Sierra Madre Location: Whittier Narrows Details: Assist Sierra Madre for a search of a 80-year-old missing since June 2, 2005. |
||
| May 2005 | ||
Date: May 14 Time: 1015-1215 Operation Type: Injured Hiker Location: Fish Canyon Details: Victim hiking down the trail, slipped and fell 35 feet over the side. A passing hiker called 911. Victim was able to hike approx 1 ½ miles down the trail. Team members began to hike up the trail to meet up with the victim. Victim was located by the team and assisted her down to the trail head were she was treated for minor injuries. Date: May 21 Time: 1730-2230 Operation Type: Search, Missing Swimmer Location: San Antonio Creek / Barrett Stoddard Road Details: Victim was swimming with brother and a friend. Victim jumped into creek above the falls, surfaced and submerged several times. Victim apparently drowned and was unable to be located. Team members conducted a surface search only, unsafe to enter the water to do strong current and depth. Search will resume on 05-22-05. Date: May 22 Time: 1615-2030 Operation Type: Recovery Location: San Antonio Creek / Barrett Stoddard Road Details: Recovery of missing swimmer from 05-21-05. Victim found approximately 25 yards south of point last scene. Date: May 23 Time: 0024-1330 Operation Type: Search, Missing/Overdue Hikers Location: Allison Gulch Details: Missing Hikers hiked up to Allison Gulch and were due home at 2100 on 05-22-05. All hikers found by Air 4 between the falls. Hikers were stuck between the falls. Hikers were unable to go up or down from the location. Hikers were extracted by Air 5. No injuries. Date: May 28 Time: 1345-1600 Operation Type: Injured Hiker Location: Bear Creek Details: Hiker was hiking in Bear Creek approximately 1 mile north of the West Fork, fell and injured left knee. Air 5 extracted the hiker and flew him to the OHV. Victim transported to Foothill Hospital via ambulance. Date: May 30 Time: 1345-1430 Operation Type: Cliffhanger Location: San Antonio Creek / Barrett Stoddard Road Details: Victim stuck on east side of hillside, approximately 20 feet above the river and below the falls. Victim was not injured. Mt. Baldy Fire Department was able to get the victim down the hillside. Team members assisted victim out to his vehicle. Date: May 31 Time: 2100-2300 Operation Type: Search, Overdue Hiker Location: West Fork Details: Brother of overdue hiker filed report with Whittier Police Department. 87 PM’s drove up and located missing hiker’s vehicle in parking lot at the West Fork. Map found inside vehicle showed that the hiker was going to hike up Devil’s Canyon with his dog. Hiker left his vehicle on Saturday, 05-28-05 and due out on Sunday, 05-29-05. Search squad located missing person walking down the West Fork Road approximately 2 miles West of Hwy 39. Hiker was not injured. Hiker ended up taking a different route than originally planned. |
||
| Aptil 2005 | ||
Date: April 11 Time: 1300-1500 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: 57 Freeway at Brea Canyon Details: Received a call from California Highway Patrol-Santa Fe Springs Office of a vehicle over the side that was observed by CHP helicopter. The helicopter crew was unable to see if any victims were in or around vehicle. CHP requested the team to check the vehicle. No victim(s) were located in or around vehicle. Air 5 also checked areas and was unable to locate any victim(s). Date: April 27 Time: 1235-1430 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Hwy 39 MM 20.22 Details: A Vehicle was found approximately 100 yards over the side by CALTRANS. Vehicle was checked by Air 5 for any possible victims with negative results. The vehicle was reported stolen in Baldwin Park. Hillside was checked by team members for any victim(s) with negative results. Date: April 29-May 1 Time: 1830-0300 Operation Type: Search Assist Location: Mariposa County Details: OES Call Out for a 68-year-old male missing one week. A member of the team went up to location with Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team. Search was suspended due to in-coming bad weather. |
||
| March 2005 | ||
Date: March 6 Time: 1630-1830 Operation Type: Missing Hikers Location: Sunset Peak Motorway Details: Team received a call from SBSO dispatcher regarding two missing hikers. The victims used their cell phone to report that they had been hiking on the Sunset Peak Motorway from Cow Canyon Saddle, became disoriented and did not know where they were. Both victims were found by Air 5 on the motorway south of the antennas. Neither victim was injured. Date: March 6 Time: 2030-0030 Operation Type: Missing/Overdue Location: Sunset Peak Motorway Details: Victim was riding his bicycle on Sunset Peak Motorway and got a flat tire. The bicyclist was not sure where he was and started to become dark. He called his mother on his cell phone and said he was near the antennas and was cold as he was not equipped for night time. He was found at the base of the antennas in good condition, not injured. He was transported to station by team members and released to his mother. Date: March 12 Time: 1830-2300 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: Hwy 39 MM 22.71 Details: A driver heading southbound on Hwy 39 witnessed a vehicle drive off the side of the road. The driver reported that vehicle went down the hillside approximately 300 feet in San Gabriel Reservoir and into the water. Due to darkness the divers were unable to see vehicle and divers were unable to enter water. Team Members checked the hillside for any possible victim(s). Underwater search planned for March 13 by ESD. Date: March13 Time: 0700-1100 Operation Type: Water Search Location: Hwy 39 MM 22.71 Details: Continuation of underwater search for a vehicle over the side that occurred on March 12. ESD divers conducted underwater search up to 45 feet deep. Divers were unable to locate victim(s) or vehicle. Underwater search scheduled for March 14 using scanning sonar. Date: March 14 Time: 0700-1900 Operation Type: Water Search Location: Hwy 39 MM 22.71 Details: Continuation of underwater search for a vehicle over the side that occurred on March 12. Conducted underwater search of shore area of San Gabriel Reservoir and used scanning sonar in attempt to locate vehicle. Divers were unable to locate victim(s) or vehicle. Search will resume on March 15. Date: March 15 Time: 0700-2000 Operation Type: Water Search Location: Hwy 39 MM 22.71 Details: Continuation of underwater search for a vehicle over the side that occurred on March 12. SCUBA and Super Light Divers were utilized. Divers were unable to locate victim(s) or vehicle. Search will resume March 16. Date: March 16 Time: 0700-1900 Operation Type: Water Search Location: Hwy 39 MM 22.71 Details: Continuation of underwater search for a vehicle over the side that occurred on March 12. Both victim and vehicle located. Divers recovered victim. Vehicle scheduled to be recovered on March 17. Date: March 17 Time: 0700-1600 Operation Type: Vehicle Recovery Location: Hwy 39 MM 22.71 Details: Recovered vehicle from vehicle that went over the side on March 12. Date: March 19 Time: 0915-1115 Operation Type: Attempted Suicide Location: Mt. Baldy Road MM 6.27 Details: Victim attempted suicide by trying to drive his vehicle over the side of the road. He was unsuccessful, got out of vehicle and jumped down the mountain side landing approximately 100 feet below the road. Victim received minor injuries. |
||
| February 2005 | ||
Date: February 1 Time:0730-0930 Operation Type: Vehicle Over the Side Location: HWY 39 at MM 23.20 Details: Team responded to a report of a vehicle that was approximately 75 feet over the side. No report to as if vehicle was stolen. No victim(s) located in or around the vehicle. Date: February 3 Time:1030-1300 Operation Type: Recovery Location: San Antonio Dam Details: Victim who has been missing since 01-16-05 was located by Air 5 who was conducting daily check of location. Mountain Rescue Team was not activated. Date: February 7 Time: 0700-1800 Operation Type: Search Location: Mt. Baldy Details: Assist SBSO West Valley in search for two overdue hikers since 02-06-05. Both victims walked into Command Post at 1345 hrs and were in good condition. |
||
| January 2005 | ||
Date:January 9 Time:1030-1730 Operation Type: Evacuation Location: San Gabriel Canyon and San Dimas Details: Team Members evaluated the conditions in San Gabriel Canyon as a result of the heavy rains. Several areas had trees and rocks on the roads. In addition, as a result of continuous heavy rains the team was on stand by at the station for possible evacuation of residents in San Dimas above Foothill Boulevard and part of San Dimas Canyon Road. Roads were being washed out and roads closured. Date: January 10 Time:1230-1930 Operation Type: Rescue Location: San Dimas Canyon Details: Assist LA County Fire with swift water rescue of four victims in San Dimas Canyon. LA County Fire used an inflatable boat and rescued two victims (boat overturned). The two victims were rescued and ok. Other two victims refused rescue. Date: January 12 Time:1000-1700 Operation Type: Public Assist Location: Camp Follows San Gabriel Canyon Details: Team Members were flown to Camp Follows and went door to door checking with all residents for medical and foods needs. Date: January 13 Time:1200-1530 Operation Type: Public Assist Location: Camp Follows San Gabriel Canyon Details: Team Members assisted in loading food and miscellaneous supplies onto Air 5 for residents at Camp Follows. Date: January 16 Time:1900-2300 Operation Type: Water Rescue/Search Location: San Antonio Dam Details: An 11-year-old male playing in water at San Antonio Creek at Shinn Rd fell into water. Parents went to look for son and possibly became missing also. Parents returned uninjured. A search was conducted of the shoreline around dam area for missing juvenile. Date: January 17 Time:0600-1630 Operation Type: Search Location: San Antonio Dam Details: Continuation of search for missing juvenile. Date: January 17 Time:1630-2000 Operation Type: Search Location: San Antonio Creek/Mt. Baldy Village Details: Assist SBSO West Valley with searching for two victims that fell into creek. Date: January 19 Time:0800-1800 Operation Type: Search Location: San Antonio Dam Details: Continuation of search of missing juvenile. Date: January 20 Time:0700-1500 Operation Type: Search Location: San Antonio Dam Details: Continuation of search of missing juvenile. Date: January 26 Time:0445-0930 Operation Type: Cliffhanger Rescue Location: HWY 39 MM27.30 Details: Team Members assisted a person who climbed up hill approximately 100 feet after crossing river and got stuck and unable to climb back down. Date: January 30 Time:1430-1530 Operation Type: Down Aircraft Location: Hwy 39 at the OHV Details: Team received a call from Aero Bureau of a possible airplane down. Report came from the plane that was towing the glider from the Pearbossom Airport and observed the glider appear to go down in an uncontrolled spin. Glider landed at the OHV. No injuries. |
||
| May 30-31,2004 | Star Rescue | |
What was originally a call to locate two over due hikers turned out to be a rescue of man’s best friend, a 6-year-old 90 pound yellow lab named Star. On Sunday, May 30 at 8:00 am two hikers headed out to the East Fork to hike 9.8 mile round trip Bridge to Nowhere trail that crisscrosses the San Gabriel River. They were expected to return home at 8 pm. We received a call just prior to midnight that the hikers had not yet returned. Team members assembled and we made our way up through Azusa Canyon Highway 39 to the trail head. The first squad headed up the East Fork Canyon along the San Gabriel River towards the Bridge to Nowhere at 2 am, with another squad following up at 2:30 am. The first squad located the two hikers at 2:50 am safe and sound. The hikers reported that while returning that afternoon from the bridge they came upon two teenage hikers and their dog, Star. Star had become exhausted and unable to walk out under his own power. The men created a litter out of two backpacks and helped carry Star approximately 2 miles down the canyon. The sun was starting to set and the hikers were becoming very tired. They came upon a church group that was camping in the canyon. Deciding that they did not want to risk injury or getting lost in the dark they opted to stay the night with the church group. After ensuring the hikers were fine, we notified the hiker’s families that their family members (with the exception of Star, who was still pretty tired) were in good condition and would hike out in the morning. We returned to the Command Post at 4:00 am and headed back to the station. On Monday morning Star had not recovered and was unable to stand, so one of the hikers hiked out to get help. At 9 am, we were requested through Angeles Dispatch to return to the canyon to rescue Star. Team members hiked up the canyon carrying a litter that would be used to carry Star out of the canyon. Star sensed that the litters were his best friend and he lay quietly as his rescuers carried and rolled him 1 1/2 miles over rocks and through several river crossings to the trail head. Star is reported to have recovered fully. |
||
| January 2004 | Mt Baldy | |
This past winter proved to be a busy and challenging season for members of the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team, when we were called for a joint operation with the West Valley Search and Rescue Team from San Bernardino with two separate searches on Mt. Baldy that encompassed a two-and-a-half week time period. The first search was for Charles Koh, 53 of Buena Park who was hiking the Summit Hut Trail and was reported missing on January 1, 2004. The second was Ali Aminian 51 of Moorpark who was reported missing on January 12, 2004 when he was hiking Bear Flats Trail. Both men were experienced hikers and it appears that they lost their footing on the icy slopes. Unfortunately, both the men were found dead as a result of injuries from their falls. Air support played a critical role in getting us on to the mountain where we encountered challenging snow and ice conditions as we searched for Koh and Aminian. We spent several nights in freezing temperatures using strobe lights in hopes of attracting the lost hikers’ attention. During the search for Koh, members from two separate rescue teams received injuries when they fell victim to the ice conditions and needed to be air lifted off the mountain. In total, four searchers were injured. Records show that 3,500 man hours were logged in the two searches. Search and Rescue Teams from all over the State of California, including San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Kern, San Francisco, Mono, Inyo, China Lake, Marin, Riverside and 7 Los Angeles Counties participated as a result of a request made to the California State Office of Emergency Services for resources qualified in snow and ice. The Search and Rescue Teams of Los Angeles County sent 115 volunteers who contributed 1,773 (51%) of the total man hours. In an article published in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, a family friend of the Koh Family was quoted saying “There seems to be a multitude of volunteers who have come to search, and it warms our hearts to see their unselfishness.” Like members of SDMRT, the other Search and Rescue Teams are comprised nearly exclusively of professionals who have jobs in addition to the many hours of training and preparing for searches such as these. |
||
| 6/9/2003 | Overdue Hikers | |
The call went out at 1:15AM Monday morning for missing hikers. According to the informant, 13 hikers had departed Sunday morning for a day-hike from opposite ends of the East Fork. Seven were traveling south on East Fork from the Vincent Gap trailhead, and six were hiking north from Heaton Flats, with the intention of meeting in the middle, swapping car keys, and continuing out. Neither group had yet returned. A search squad was sent north from Heaton Flats and subsequently met up with the group headed south who were tired and cold, but otherwise alright, and were able to hike out. Another squad was sent down from the north end, and after arriving at a major junction and scouting around in that location, had still not come across the second group of hikers. At first light, sheriff's Air-Five rescue helicopter went into service looking for group 2, and quickly spotted them just a few hundred yards from the second search squad. They had taken a wrong turn in the night, realized their error, decided to remain there until daylight, and were resuming their hike out. All hikers returned safe and well. |
||