Tragic Hiking Incidents on Mt Baldy Claim Multiple Lives Amid Challenging Winter Conditions
A 19-year-old hiker, Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, died after falling approximately 500 feet on Mt Baldy (also known as Mt San Antonio) in California. The incident occurred on 29 December when Casanova went hiking with a friend who later called for help. The friend was unharmed and managed to reach cell reception near the Devil's Backbone to relay GPS coordinates.
Two other hikers were also found dead on Mt Baldy, though they were not with Casanova at the time and their time of death remains unclear. High winds prevented helicopter recovery on Monday, but the bodies were successfully recovered on Tuesday.
In the past five days prior to these deaths, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department rescued five other hikers from Mt Baldy. The mountain stands at 10,064 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains and is considered one of the deadliest peaks in the United States. Since 2020, there have been more than 14 deaths and over 100 rescue operations on the mountain. Notably, actor Julian Sands died in January 2023 on Mt Baldy, with his remains found five months later.
Mt Baldy is a popular climbing destination due to its proximity to Los Angeles, attracting climbers of varying experience levels. Authorities, including spokesperson Jenny Smith, urge people to stay off the mountain during unpredictable winter weather, especially on challenging trails like the Devil's Backbone.
Recent weather conditions in California have included rain and snow. On the day of Casanova's fall, 29 December, the sun was out with clear visibility; however, conditions on Mt Baldy can change quickly with sudden snow and ice. Climbers are advised to carry crampons and ice axes for safety. Several trails have been temporarily closed until the new year due to these conditions.
