An injured hiker is rescued near Mt. Baldy Peak
DATE/TIME: Friday, February 23, 2018 / 1:08 pm
INCIDENT: Search and Rescue
LOCATION: Mt Baldy Peak
INVOLVED PARTIES: Matthew Kraai, 40-year-old resident of Irvine, Benjamin Crowell Leon, 52-year-old resident of Fullerton
SUMMARY: On Friday, February 23, 2018, Matthew Kraai and Benjamin Crowell drove to the Mount Baldy area for a day hike. They arrived at the Manker Flats parking lot around 7:00 am and began their day hike to the summit of Mount Baldy by way of the Devil’s Backbone.
Prior to them arriving at the peak of Mount Baldy, Kraai received an injury to his right knee and was unable to hike any further. He called 911 and requested help from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. While he was on the phone with dispatch, he provided details about his condition and GPS location.
These hikers were well prepared with the 10 essentials of food, water, additional clothing, winter gear and emergency communication devices. It made it easier for them to endure the 15-degree weather and varying winds as they awaited the arrival of the Sheriff’s Department.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s patrol helicopter and its crew responded to the call. They located Kraai based on the information he provided dispatch. The crew safely landed near his location, picked him up, and flew him to a nearby landing zone. Kraai was provided medical attention and offered food and water.
Upon Kraai being released from medical personal, he was transported back to his vehicle where he waited for the return of Crowell. Crowell was not injured during the hike and was able to hike back to his vehicle without any assistance.
The West Valley Search & Rescue team and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind all hikers to have the appropriate clothing, food, water, gear and the 10 essentials when hiking in the wilderness.
Refer: Deputy J. Thorp
Station: Fontana Sheriff's Station
Phone No. 909-356-6767
Case No. 031800500
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Fontana Sheriff's Department
17780 Arrow Blvd
Fontana, CA 92335
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1