Mt. Baldy, California on Feb. 5, 2024.Photo:LASD
LASD
Three hikers were rescued after spending a cold night on Mt. Baldy in Southern California on Monday, reports theLos Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). However, a solo hiker who embarked on a trip is still missing, reports theSan Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCS).
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed on Wednesday that they have yet to locate solo traveler Lifei Huang. The 22-year-old woman also left on Sunday and was reported missing around 11 p.m.
Huang “set out on a hike alone at about 2 p.m. and had not been heard from since about 4 p.m.,” said the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Nearly 12 hours after she started her hike, around 2:30 a.m. on Monday, the Sheriff’s West Valley Search and Rescue Crew began the search for Huang.
“On Tuesday, search and rescue crews continued the search in extremely heavy snowfall, however, avalanche risks hindered the search efforts, and the crews were pulled off the mountain,” continued the statement. “Search and rescue personnel will remain at the trailhead and will resume searching when it is safe to do so.”
Additionally, the SBCS recommends that people not embark on hikes during “this inclement weather.”
Rescue team on Mt. Baldy, California on Feb. 5, 2024.LASD
“The Search and Rescue teams navigated through the rain, snow, and a 4,000-foot gain in elevation during the 4-mile hike to the lost hikers,” the LASD said. After a four-hour search, the victims were located at approximately 8,200-8,400 feet elevation.
“The hikers, who spent the night hunkered down, were assessed and determined able to be escorted back down the trail through the snow and wet elements to safety,” the sheriff’s department continued.
San Diamas Mountain Rescue on Mt. Baldy, California on Feb. 5, 2024.LASD
Before the trio’s hike, they “left their itinerary with relatives, who notified authorities,” the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue said in astatement. “Given adverse weather and the potential difficulty of the operation, San Dimas Mountain Rescue requested assistance from Sierra Madre Search and Rescue.”
The hikers were instructed “to shelter in place overnight until SAR personnel could meet them and hike out with them.” They were then told to mark their location via a CalTopo link. The San Dimas Mountain Rescue team remained in contact with the hikers throughout Sunday night.
The following morning, five members of Sierra Madre Search and Rescue and three San Dimas personnel hiked the four-mile path and met the hikers at their location at approximately 1 p.m.,
As the crews and hikers descended the mountain, another team joined them and brought hot chocolate, tea and sandwiches, per the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue. By 5 p.m., the hikers and rescue teams were off the mountain.
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Rescue teams and missing hikers on Mt. Baldy, California on Feb. 5, 2024.LASD
Anyone with information regarding Huang is urged to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at 909-356-6767. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.
source: people.com
