Deputies locate 2 missing hikers and perform a hoist rescue just after daylight. 
DATE/TIME: June 23rd, 2019 / 6:00 a.m.
INCIDENT: Mount Baldy Hoist Rescue
LOCATION: Mount Baldy
VICTIMS: Emily Madonna Owens, age 28 of Santa Monica
Christopher Edward Gillis, age 42 of Marina Del Rey
SUMMARY:
On June 22nd, Emily Madonna Owens and Christopher Edward Gillis parked their vehicle near the Mount Baldy Ski Resort and hiked to the summit of Mount Baldy. Upon their afternoon descent, they got disoriented in terms of direction and became lost. Fearing the decreasing temperatures and loss of daylight, they called 911 for help.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Department's 40K7 responded to the area and located the victims at the 7,000' level in a steep narrow canyon. Unable to land, they requested Search and Rescue ground crews. Ground crews responded and were unable to hike beyond 6,500' in the canyon. It was determined a hoist rescue would need to be conducted.
At sunrise the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department's Air Rescue 306 responded to the area. A rescue medic was lowered to the victims and they were placed in rescue harnesses. After hoisting them into the helicopter, they were transported to the Lytle Creek Ranger Station and handed off to EMS Personnel.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department would like to remind the public about the dangers of hiking in the local mountains. Without proper experience and preparation, this type of activity can lead to serious injury or death.
Refer: Deputy J. Roberg
Station: Aviation
Phone No. (909) 252-4100
Case No. FN # 1901690
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