A tragic hiking accident on Mount Baldy has left three people dead and a Southern California community in mourning. Authorities in San Bernardino County confirmed that the hikers were found Monday in a remote and extremely dangerous area of the mountain, highlighting once again the serious risks tied to high-elevation trails.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said deputies were first alerted after receiving a call about a 19-year-old hiker who had fallen an estimated 500 feet. Due to the steep terrain and limited access, rescue crews launched an aerial search to locate the injured hiker as quickly as possible.

During the helicopter search, rescuers located the injured hiker along with two additional people nearby. Officials said all three were found in an area known as the Devil’s Backbone, a narrow ridgeline trail notorious for sharp drop-offs and unpredictable conditions. High winds in the area made it impossible to perform an immediate rescue.

Later that evening, once conditions allowed, a medic was lowered down to the hikers. Tragically, authorities said all three hikers were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators have not yet explained how the other two hikers were injured or whether they may have fallen while trying to assist the first victim.

Sheriff’s officials emphasized that the Devil’s Backbone is one of the most dangerous trails in the region and is not suitable for novice hikers. They warned that even experienced hikers can face serious trouble on the trail due to weather, wind, and the lack of safe footing. Authorities also praised volunteer search and rescue members who regularly risk their lives responding to emergencies on Mount Baldy.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Coroner Division identified one of the victims as Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, 19, of Seal Beach, California. His official cause of death is still pending. The identities of the other two hikers have not yet been released as officials continue their investigation and work to notify family members. Authorities urge hikers to carefully plan trips, respect trail warnings, and understand that dangerous choices can put both hikers and rescuers at risk.