75-Year-Old Hiker Falls to Death on Mt. Baldy

Raymond Kopecky's death marks the tenth fatal incident on the treacherous peak since 2020.

75-year-old Raymond Kopecky died after falling from a cliff on Mt. Baldy, a treacherous peak in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Kopecky was reported missing when he did not return from his hike on the Sugarloaf Peak trail.
The West Valley Search and Rescue team found Kopecky's body in 'extremely steep conditions' and had to camp overnight to protect the body from wildlife and wait for safer conditions for airlifting.
Mt. Baldy, the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, has been the site of 10 deaths and 100 rescues since 2020, prompting calls for restricted access.
An autopsy is expected to provide more details about Kopecky's death.