The body of missing hiker Taylor Rodriguez was discovered by Inyo County Search & Rescue and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office around half a mile northwest of Upper Boy Scout Lake on California’s Mount Whitney.
The hiker was discovered at approximately 1:00pm on January 2 near the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek Trail. He was an elevation of about 12,000 feet.
Reports of the overdue hiker first came in to the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office on January 2, after he’s believed to have attempted the summit on December 30, 2024. The route Rodriguez intended to take was unclear, and there were concerns about his inadequate gear and lack of hiking experience.
“We want to thank everyone who assisted in the search efforts, including climbers and hikers who provided valuable information. Special thanks to the Army National Guard, CHP Inland Division Air Operations, CHP Central Division Air Operations, CalOES FIRIS (High altitude imaging plane), Mono County SAR, and China Lake Mountain Rescue Group (Kern County) for their mutual aid and dedication. Additionally, we express our gratitude to the kitchen staff of the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office for their support to the search teams.“
Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of the deceased at this time.