Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova – Authorities have identified one of three hikers who tragically died Wednesday after a fall on a trail near Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains. The 19-year-old victim, Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova of Seal Beach, was found after an extensive search operation that began earlier in the week in the Devil’s Backbone trail area.
Search and rescue efforts were launched late Monday morning after reports that a hiker had fallen roughly 500 feet along the steep trail. A friend of the injured hiker was able to reach an area with cell service to alert rescuers and provide directions, helping crews locate the hiker’s position. During the search, authorities discovered two additional individuals nearby who were also in distress.
Strong winds in the area initially prevented helicopter crews from completing a rescue operation. Weather advisories had been issued for the mountains, highlighting the dangerous conditions. A medic was eventually lowered to the scene around 7:30 p.m. but confirmed that all three hikers had died. Recovery of the bodies was underway on Tuesday. Authorities did not immediately release details about the other two victims, including their ages or how long they had been at the scene.
Mount Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, rises to over 10,000 feet, making it the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles County. While the area offers scenic hiking opportunities, trails such as Devil’s Backbone are extremely challenging and feature steep drop-offs. Winter conditions, including snow and ice, can make the trails especially treacherous.
“This is an extremely dangerous trail that is not carved in a way that a regular hiker could safely navigate,” said Jenny Smith, public information officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. She stressed that the area is not suitable for inexperienced hikers and that the terrain, combined with unpredictable weather, poses serious risks.
Smith added that search and rescue operations in the Mount Baldy area occur almost daily. “It is an everyday occurrence that we are rescuing people who are unable to get off the mountain,” she said. “Weather can change in an instant, and conditions can become hazardous very quickly. We are encouraging everyone to avoid the mountain when conditions are unsafe.”
In a separate incident earlier in the week, rescuers responded to the Ontario Peak Trail after receiving a report about two hikers, aged 18 and 31, who were stranded. One of the hikers had suffered a fall of about 100 feet. Both individuals were successfully rescued by a helicopter crew.
The sheriff’s department continues to emphasize the importance of preparation for anyone attempting to hike in the area. Recommendations include bringing appropriate supplies, avoiding hiking during inclement weather, carrying a GPS device, and sticking to open, designated trails.
Due to the recent incidents and hazardous conditions, authorities issued a temporary closure order for the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, including the Mount Baldy area. The closure will remain in effect until Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. Violating the closure can result in fines or other penalties.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus commented on the situation, noting the dangers posed by the current conditions. “The tragic loss of life on Mount Baldy, along with repeated rescue operations, highlights how dangerous the terrain and weather are, even for experienced hikers,” he said. “The temporary closure is necessary to prevent additional emergencies and protect lives. The public is urged to respect the closure and avoid the area until it is deemed safe to reopen.”
Authorities continue to investigate the incidents while advising the public to prioritize safety and heed all warnings when visiting mountainous areas. The recent tragedies underscore the unpredictable nature of the terrain and weather in the region and the risks they pose to hikers and rescue personnel alike.
