Full Notification

On Tuesday, July 19, several hikers were climbing out of Malibu Canyon at about 9:00 PM, when a 25-year-old hiker in the group, became stranded on a 15 foot ledge approximately 300 feet below the main road (Malibu Canyon), and approximately 400 feet above the canyon floor. The situation was particularly hazardous because the stranded hiker, a Fullerton resident, is unable to hear or speak, and could not communicate the extent of his injuries. The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Mountain Rescue Team was activated and responded to the location of the stranded hiker.

Following the clearing of very heavy brush at the top of the ledge by rescuers, ropes were lowered to secure the victim, who was precariously hanging onto brush, to prevent him from sliding further down. Two teams comprised of Sheriff’s rescue personnel and Los Angeles County Fire rescue personnel, were then lowered by a winch/cable system to the victim. Rescue personnel worked as quickly as possible cutting through 4 to 5 feet of thick brush to reach the hiker, whose condition was unknown.

At about 1:00, Wednesday morning, rescue team personnel were able to safely remove the hiker from the ledge and bring him to safety. He had sustained multiple lacerations and because of the uncertainty of his injuries, he was transported via helicopter to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Deputy Guillermina Saldaña
Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau
4700 Ramona Boulevard,
Monterey Park, Ca. 91754
24 Hr. Media
(323) 267-4800