DATE/TIME: February 4, 2024/11:14 p.m.
INCIDENT: Missing Hiker
LOCATION: Mt. Baldy, San Bernardino County, CA
MISSING PERSON: Lifei Huang, 22-years-old, Resident of El Monte
SUMMARY:
On Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 11:14 p.m., deputies from the Fontana Sheriff’s Station received a call regarding a missing hiker in the Mt. Baldy area of the San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino County. Lifei Huang set out on a hike alone at about 2 p.m., and had not been heard from since about 4 p.m.
At about 2:30 a.m., on Monday, February 5, 2024, members of the Sheriff’s West Valley Search and Rescue Crew arrived and began a search but did not locate Huang.
On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, search and rescue crews continued the search in extremely heavy snowfall, however, avalanche risks hindered the search efforts, and the crews were pulled off the mountain. Search and rescue personnel will remain at the trail head and will resume searching when it is safe to do so.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department strongly urges everyone to stay away and refrain from mountain activities during this inclement weather. The weather has effectively buried the mountain in snow and it is highly likely hikers will get into trouble. Resources are stretched to their limits and hikers who get lost may have to wait long periods of time before help is available.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at 909-356-6767. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy C. Henry
Station: Fontana
Phone No. 909-356-6767
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
