San Bernardino County Sheriff's Aviation Rescues Hiker After He Slid Down 150 Feet
DATE/TIME: December 21, 2021 / 11:52 a.m.
INCIDENT: Ice House Canyon Saddle Rescue
LOCATION: Mount Baldy, CA
SUSPECT(S): NA
VICTIM(S): Matthew Jaurequi, 38-years-old, resident of Downey, CA
SUMMARY: On Tuesday, December 21, 2021, Matthew Jaurequi went hiking with a friend along the Ice House Canyon Saddle when they encountered a thick patch of ice. Jaurequi lost his footing and began to slide. Jaurequi's friend attempted to grab Jaurequi and they both slid approximately 150 feet down the mountain. Jaurequi sustained non-life threatening injuries. Jaurequi and his friend used a cellular telephone to call 911.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and San Bernardino County Fire Department were notified and sent resources to assist. Due to the remote location and terrain, Sheriff's Helicopter 40King5 responded and located Jaurequi and his friend at approximately 7600 feet above sea level and it was determined a hoist rescue would be needed.
The crew of Sheriff's Helicopter 40King2 responded to conduct the hoist rescue. Medic Corporal Rose was lowered down to the hikers. Rose secured himself to a tree and placed a rescue harness on Jaurequi. Jaurequi was hoisted up to 40King2 and transported to a nearby dam where an ambulance and medical personnel were waiting. Jaurequi was transported by American Medical Response to a nearby hospital. Jaurequi's friend was able to hike back up to the trail and was determined to continue hiking.
In the last week, several hikers using micro spike style traction devices have lost their footing and slid down the mountainside. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department would like to remind the public about the dangers of hiking in hazardous conditions such as steep, rugged, mountainous terrain covered with snow and ice. Without crampons (a specific type of traction device for ice climbing) and an ice axe, along with the proper training to use this equipment, this type of activity can lead to serious injury or death.
Crew of 40King5:
Pilot Corporal Greg Jimenez
Tactical Flight Officer Sergeant Brian Chambers
Crew of 40King2:
Pilot Lieutenant Daniel Futscher
Hoist Operator Deputy Eric Bradshaw
Medic Corporal Eric Rose
Refer: Deputy Eric Bradshaw
Station: Emergency Operations Division/ Aviation
Phone No. 909 252-4100
Case No. FNR2103338
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700