Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Monday, May 7, 2018, 8:10 a.m.

INCIDENT: Hoist Rescue

LOCATION: Pacific Crest Trail, Lake Arrowhead

VICTIM: Kenneth Hazlett, 80-year-old male, a resident of Independence, Oregon

SUMMARY:

On May 7th, 2018, at 8:10 a.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation and Fire personnel responded to a report of an injured male on the Pacific Crest Trail in the Lake Arrowhead area. The injured male, later identified as Kenneth Hazlett, reportedly fell while hiking the trail and fractured his lower leg. Hazlett managed to call his wife, who then called 911 and reported the incident. Hazlett provided the coordinates to his location and waited for help to arrive.

Fire personnel arrived in the area and hiked up the trail to Hazlett. Due to the remote location and extent of injury, it was determined Hazlett would need to be hoist rescued. Sheriff’s patrol helicopter (40King8) and rescue helicopter (Air Rescue 7) responded to the location to search and rescue the victim. The crew of 40King8 arrived first on scene, located Hazlett on the trail, and directed fire personnel and Air Rescue 7 to his location.

A rescue medic was lowered to Hazlett from the helicopter to assist with rescue operations. Hazlett was secured into a rescue harness and was hoisted up into the helicopter, followed by the medic. The victim was flown to Mountains Community Hospital for further medical treatment.


Refer: Corporal Ed Leon

Station: Aviation Unit

Phone No. (909) 252-4100

Case No. TP181270011

John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department