At a Glance
- 19-year-old hiker found dead after a 500-foot fall on the Devil’s Backbone trail near Mount Baldy.
- Strong winds on Monday prevented a helicopter rescue.
- Bodies of three hikers are being recovered; a temporary closure will lift Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.
- Why it matters: The incident underscores the risks of winter hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains.
A 19-year-old man named Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova was discovered dead on the Devil’s Backbone trail near Mount Baldy after a reported 500-foot fall. The search began early this week, and the hiker’s body was located by aerial teams before strong winds halted helicopter operations.
The Incident
The fatal fall occurred on Monday when Casanova, a freshman at Santa Clara University, was hiking near the trail’s steep drop-offs. A friend guided rescuers to the site, where a medic confirmed the hiker’s death.
- Casanova was 19 years old.
- The fall was approximately 500 feet.
- Three hikers were found together.
Rescue Efforts
Helicopter crews could not complete a hoist due to wind advisories that also affected other rescues in the area. At about 7:30 p.m., a medic was lowered to the scene and confirmed all three individuals were deceased.
- Strong winds prevented hoist operations.
- Rescue teams responded to a report of an injured hiker.
- Bodies were recovered on Tuesday.
Official Statements
Ken Muench Casanova stated:
> “We are destroyed by the loss of our beloved Marcus. He was a graduate of Los Alamitos High, a freshman at Santa Clara University’s business school, and an avid sailor and outdoorsman. He was an incredibly sweet and empathetic young man that will be missed sorely by many.”
Jenny Smith, public information officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, said:
> “It is almost an everyday occurrence that we’re rescuing people who need help who cannot get off of the mountain. The weather can change in an instant. Conditions change rapidly. We’re trying to encourage everyone to stay off the mountain.”
The Sheriff’s Department also urged hikers to prepare adequately, bring GPS devices, and stay on designated trails.
Timeline of Events
| Day | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday | Search begins; injured hiker found; helicopter rescue halted |
| Tuesday | Bodies recovered; investigation ongoing |
| Wednesday | Temporary closure lifts at 11:59 p.m. |
Key Takeaways
- The fatal fall involved a 19-year-old hiker on the Devil’s Backbone trail.
- Strong winds on Monday stopped helicopter rescue efforts.
- A temporary closure of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument will end Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.
The tragedy highlights the importance of caution and preparation when hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains, especially during winter conditions.
