A 19-year-old hiker who fell approximately 500 feet on Mt. Baldy in California on December 29 has been identified as Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Casanova was hiking with a friend when the incident occurred near the Devil's Backbone trail, a location known for its challenging terrain.
Casanova's hiking companion, who was unharmed, managed to hike to an area with cell phone reception and contacted emergency services, providing GPS coordinates. High winds initially hampered rescue efforts, preventing helicopter recovery operations on Monday. However, crews were able to recover Casanova's body, along with the bodies of two other deceased hikers, on Tuesday.
The two other hikers were not part of Casanova's group, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear. Authorities have not yet released their identities or estimated how long they had been deceased on the mountain.
Mt. Baldy, a prominent peak in Southern California, is known for its challenging climbs and has been described by authorities as one of the most dangerous mountains to climb in the region. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office reported rescuing five other hikers from the mountain recently, highlighting the risks associated with hiking in the area, particularly during winter conditions. The investigation into all three deaths is ongoing.
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