Authorities have identified 19-year-old Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova as one of three hikers who were found dead on California’s Mt Baldy. The young hiker tragically fell approximately 150 meters (500 feet) from one of the mountain’s perilous trails, a notorious site for hiking incidents.
Casanova was hiking with a friend on December 29 when the accident occurred. His companion managed to trek away from the fall site, reaching an area with cell reception to call for help and provide rescuers with their GPS location. Thankfully, the friend emerged from the ordeal unhurt.
The search and recovery operation faced difficulties due to high winds, preventing rescue crews from deploying helicopters on Monday. However, the teams were successful in retrieving the bodies by Tuesday. Alongside Casanova, two other deceased hikers were also discovered during the operation, although it is unclear how long they had been on the mountain and they were not part of Casanova’s hiking group.
Mt Baldy, officially known as Mt San Antonio, stands tall at 10,064 feet (3,068 meters) within the San Gabriel Mountains and has gained a reputation as one of the most treacherous climbing destinations in Southern California. The mountain has seen over 14 fatalities since 2020, including that of British actor Julian Sands earlier this year. In addition, more than 100 individuals have been rescued from its slopes in the same time frame.
The proximity of Mt Baldy to Los Angeles often draws both seasoned and novice hikers, prompting authorities to issue strong warnings regarding the risks associated with winter hiking in this area. Jenny Smith, a representative for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, emphasized the dangers of the Devil’s Backbone trail during a press conference, expressing concern for inexperienced hikers who may put themselves in jeopardy.
Casanova’s family expressed their heartbreak over the loss of their beloved son, describing him as an “avid sailor and outdoorsman.” This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather and the inherent risks of outdoor activities in challenging environments.