Several trails on Mount Baldy remain temporarily closed after three hikers were found dead on the Southern California mountain this week, authorities said.
The three hikers were located on Monday during a search for a 19-year-old man who had fallen on the mountain near the Devil’s Backbone trail, authorities said. Two other male hikers were located nearby during the search-and-rescue effort for the teen, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Amid dangerous conditions, seven trails at Mount Baldy, including the Devil’s Backbone, will remain closed for a week, according to the sheriff’s department.
Mount Baldy had been previously closed until New Year’s Day following the deaths due to public safety concerns. The select trails on the mountain will now remain closed through 11:59 p.m. local time on Jan. 7, the sheriff’s department said.
“This proactive measure follows the recent, tragic discovery of three deceased individuals in the area,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said. “Due to extreme environmental hazards and the current risk to hikers, these closures are being implemented to prevent further loss of life.”
The teen was identified by the sheriff’s department on Wednesday as Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova of Seal Beach, California. The cause of death is pending, authorities said.
The sheriff’s department said Wednesday it was still working to identify the two other hikers, who were found by chance during the search for the teen.
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