Hiker Rescue/Recovery

January 21, 2013
Temecula Area
2013-003

Written by Editor

On Monday afternoon around 4pm RMRU was called to respond to the Temecula Ecological Preserve for a hiker who had been hit by a falling boulder. While we were responding a friend of the hiker led Cal Fire Personnel and officers into the canyon, and after 30 minutes of hiking, they located the victim.

RMRU was cancelled at this time with only one member on scene. It turns out three hikers were seated on a large rock outcropping approximately 30 feet above a body of water when they heard the rock begin to crack. The rock gave way, sending the victim to the ground below. The boulder broke free and subsequently fell and struck the victim. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Due to the remote location and treacherous terrain, the Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Bureau and the Coroner's Bureau utilized a Sheriff's helicopter in order to recover the victim's remains.

RMRU extends condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

RMRU team member present: Jeri Sanchez.