SIERRA NEVADA, California – Inyo County Sheriff’s Office received notification of a hiker that had been hit by a falling rock in the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek in the Mount Whitney region on Sunday, May 12.
According to the sheriff’s office, Inyo County Search and Rescue (SAR) responded to the scene with assistance from a California Highway Patrol Central Division Air Operations Group helicopter. It was determined that the victim had already perished upon the first SAR team member’s arrival. The body was then flown to Lone Pine and turned into the Inyo County Coroner.
This incident marks the third death in the Mount Whitney region within a week. According to The Mercury News, two hikers went missing on May 7, later being found deceased near the summit of the mountain.
“Early spring conditions prevail on the mountain, with treacherous steep snow, loose rock, and variable weather. Parties venturing onto Mt. Whitney should stay together, turn around before deteriorating conditions become unmanageable, make responsible decisions, and be prepared and fit.” – Inyo County Sheriff’s Office
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the deceased through this difficult time.
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Image Credit: Inyo County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook