Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Monday, February 20, 2023 12:00 p.m.

INCIDENT: Technical Ice Hoist Rescue

LOCATION: Big Horn Peak, Mt. Baldy 

VICTIM(S): Jackson Sellers, 17 years-old, San Bernardino
Nicholas Sellers, 29 years-old, San Bernardino


SUMMARY: On Monday, February 20, 2023, Jackson and Nicholas Sellers hiked up Cucamonga Peak Trail from Ice House Saddle, at the 7,600 foot-level in the Mount Baldy area. As they traversed the trail through snow and ice, their hiking equipment failed, which caused them to lose their footing and slide from the icy terrain. Although not injured, the victims were exhausted and feared they would fall down the steep mountainside if they continued. Nicholas realized they needed help and called 911 on his cellular phone to request assistance.  

Sheriff's Dispatch received the 911 from Nicholas and dispatched deputies from Fontana Station to assist. Sheriff's Aviation was requested to assist in locating the two hikers using coordinates from the cellular phone. Sheriff's patrol helicopter 40 King 2 responded to the scene and located the hikers with the provided coordinates. The crew of 40 King requested Sheriff's Air Rescue for a hoist, due to the location and steep terrain. The crew of Air Rescue 306 hoisted one rescuer down to the hikers. Due to the steep terrain, the rescuer was inserted above the hikers, and utilized a rope system to reach the hikers. The rope system was used to move the hikers to a safe area where they could be hoisted from.    
 
Both hikers were placed into rescue harnesses and hoisted into the helicopter. The crew transported them to Fontana deputies at the San Antonio Dam without further incident.  

Hikers are encouraged to ensure their equipment is properly fitted and they are properly trained to use it. Hikers are also encouraged to always stay on marked and well established paths and trails.     


            40 King Crew:    Pilot Sergeant Ed Leon
                                       Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Jonathan Holt     
                                       Pilot Corporal Ryan Peppler
                                       Pilot Deputy Corey Lawrence

   Air Rescue 306 Crew: Pilot Deputy Doug Brimmer
                                       Crew Chief Deputy Tommy Dickey
                                       SBCoFD Flight Medic/Technical Rescuer Mike Demoff
                                       SBCoFD Flight Medic Brandon Chavez


Refer: Deputy Doug Brimmer

Station: Emergency Operations Division/Aviation Unit

Phone No. 909-252-4100

Case No. DR#032300499

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department