> At a Glance
> – Authorities identified the final two hikers found dead on Dec. 29 on Mt. Baldy
> – Juan Sarat Lopez, 37, and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, 36, both Guatemalan nationals living in Los Angeles, are believed to have fallen from Devil’s Backbone Trail
> – A third hiker, 19-year-old Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, was found during the same recovery operation
> – Why it matters: The triple-fatality has prompted officials to temporarily close select trails on Mt. Baldy for public safety
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the identities of the final two hikers recovered from Mt. Baldy on Jan. 3, four days after all three bodies were discovered during a single operation.
Recovery Details
Lopez and Ramos Garcia were located after a helicopter crew responded to a separate distress call for Casanova, who had fallen roughly 500 feet. Because of severe winds, rescuers could not land; an air medic later confirmed all three were deceased.
Victim Profiles
- Juan Sarat Lopez – 37, Los Angeles resident from Guatemala
- Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia – 36, Los Angeles resident from Guatemala
- Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova – 19, Seal Beach, California
Cause of death remains under investigation for each hiker.
Official Response
Jenny Smith, public information officer for SBCSD, emphasized the rarity of the incident:
> “It is extremely unusual to have three persons die at the same time – or found dead at the same time – while they are out hiking and trying to enjoy nature, and I feel so sorry for the families who are affected.”
Following the tragedy, portions of Mt. Baldy have been temporarily closed.
Key Takeaways
- Officials believe Lopez and Ramos Garcia fell from the Devil’s Backbone Trail the same day they were found
- High winds repeatedly hampered rescue attempts on Dec. 29
- Trail closures aim to prevent further accidents while investigations continue
The mountain’s latest triple-fatality underscores the dangers hikers face during winter conditions.
