DATE/TIME: Monday, January 5, 2026 / 3:18 P.M.
INCIDENT: Search and Rescue / Injured and Lost Hikers
LOCATION: Mt. Baldy (Cucamonga Peak Trail)
SUBJECT #1: Ramon Urgell, 18-year-old Hispanic male resident of Moreno Valley
SUBJECT #2: Confidential, 17-year-old Hispanic male juvenile resident of Moreno Valley
SUBJECT #3: Confidential, 17-year-old Hispanic male juvenile resident of Moreno Valley
SUMMARY: On Monday, January 5, 2026, at 3:18 P.M., Fontana Sheriff’s Station deputies received a call for service in Mt. Baldy, regarding a hiker who slipped and fell while hiking in the area of Cucamonga Peak Trail. Ramon Urgell was hiking with his two friends (Subject #2 and Subject #3), when he fell approximately 20 feet, hurt his leg, and could not move. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division was notified and responded to the area.
Due to weather conditions at the time, the helicopter was unable to move close enough to locate the hikers. The Sheriff's Search and Rescue ground team was activated and started to climb towards the hikers. There was a break in weather conditions, at which time Sheriff's Air Rescue 308 helicopter located Urgell and successfully conducted a hoist rescue. Urgell was subsequently transported to a local area hospital, where he was treated and released.
Before Urgell was rescued, Subjects #1 and #2, continued to hike in an attempt to obtain a cellular phone signal and became lost. Sheriff's personnel continued their search efforts and on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at about 8:51 A.M., they were located on the Lytle Creek side of the mountain. Subjects #1 and #2 were medically evaluated by the San Bernardino County Fire Department and reunited with their waiting family members.
One member of the Sheriff's Search and Rescue ground team sustained minor injuries during the operation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at (909) 356-6767. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Sergeant D. Garcia / Deputy M. Smoot
Station: Fontana
Phone No. (909) 356-6767
Case No. 032600047
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
