Overview
- Authorities identified the victim as Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, 19, of Seal Beach, while the other two male hikers have not been publicly named.
- Deputies responded on Dec. 29 around 11:30 a.m. after a hiker reportedly fell about 500 feet near the Devils Backbone, and a companion hiked to find cell service and provide GPS coordinates.
- A helicopter crew located three hikers, but severe winds halted a hoist; an air medic lowered that evening confirmed all three were deceased, and their bodies were later recovered.
- The U.S. Forest Service closed seven Mount Baldy trails, including Devils Backbone, from Jan. 1–7, with fines up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations.
- Causes of death remain under investigation, and officials emphasize Mount Baldy’s hazardous winter conditions and recent fatality record.