At a Glance
- Two of the three hikers found dead at Mount Baldy were identified as Los Angeles residents.
- The men were Guatemalan nationals living in Los Angeles.
- The third hiker, 19-year-old Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, was identified on Dec. 31.
- Why it matters: The incident underscores the risks of backcountry hiking and the scale of local search efforts.
In a tragic incident on Mount Baldy last week, three hikers were found dead, and authorities have now identified them as two Los Angeles residents and a 19-year-old from Seal Beach.
Identified Hikers
Authorities named Juan Sarat Lopez, 37, and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, 36, both Guatemalan nationals residing in Los Angeles. The third victim, Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, 19, was identified on Dec. 31.
- Juan Sarat Lopez – 37 – Los Angeles – Guatemalan
- Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia – 36 – Los Angeles – Guatemalan
- Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova – 19 – Seal Beach – USA
Search and Rescue Efforts
San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies began the search at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 29 for a 19-year-old reported injured near Devils Backbone. An airship from Los Angeles County assisted at 7:30 p.m., but high winds prevented a hoist. An air medic was lowered and confirmed all three hikers were dead.
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 29 | 11:30 a.m. | Search launched for 19-year-old |
| Dec 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Airship assistance attempted |
| Dec 31 | – | Third hiker identified |
Key Takeaways
- Two of the hikers were Los Angeles residents and Guatemalan nationals.
- The third victim was a 19-year-old from Seal Beach.
- Search efforts began on Dec. 29 and continued through Dec. 31.
The Mount Baldy tragedy highlights the dangers hikers face and the dedication of local authorities in search and rescue operations.
By Sophia A. Reynolds for News Of Los Angeles
