Full Notification

UPDATE: April 9, 2019  8:15 a.m.
The search continues today on Mount Baldy for Eric Desplinter and Gabrielle Wallace .
The search begins with 21 Search & Rescue members on the ground. 16 S&R members were airlifted to the top of the mountain to avoid spending hours hiking to the top and duplicating areas already searched. A Sheriff's helicopter is assisting with the search.
During search efforts over the last two days, S&R members found a beanie, instructions for cramp-ons and a trekking pole. It is unknown if these items belong to the missing hikers.
Anyone who may have seen Desplinter or Wallace in the Mount Badly area is urged to contact Sheriff’s dispatch.  Additionally, anyone who may be going up to the Mount Badly / Cucamonga Peak areas and sees the subjects is asked to call dispatch immediately at (909)387-8313.
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DATE/TIME: April 6, 2019 / 8:18 PM
 
INCIDENT: Search and Rescue - Missing Hikers
 
LOCATION: Mt. Baldy   
 
VICTIM(S): Eric Desplinter, 33, resident of Chino Hills
                   Gabrielle Wallace, 31, resident of Rancho Cucamonga
 
 
SUMMARY: On April 6, 2019, Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call regarding two overdue hikers in the Mount Baldy area.  The caller reported their friends Eric Desplinter and Gabrielle Wallace were last seen at approximately 10:00 AM on the morning of April 6th.  The two were believed to be headed toward Cucamonga Peak.  Desplinter and Wallace were supposed to return by 7:00 PM.  When they did not return by 8:00 PM their friend called and asked for assistance.  Deputies responded to the area where the hikers’ vehicle was parked and initiated a search.
 
Attempts to call the two were unsuccessful.  Desplinter is an experience hiker and was last seen wearing a yellow jacket and green pants.  Wallace was last seen wearing a gray sweater and jeans.  They are believed to have a limited amount of food and water.
 
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division has been onscene since the onset of the call.  Multiple helicopters have been actively searching for the two and are supporting Search and Rescue volunteers who are searching on foot.  A command post has been established in the Mount Baldy area.  On April 8, 2019, the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department requested additional resources from the California Office of Emergency Services.  Search and Rescue teams from Los Angeles and San Diego Counties have responded and are assisting.
 
Anyone who may have seen Desplinter or Wallace in the Mount Badly area is asked to Sheriff’s Dispatch.  Additionally, anyone who may be going up to the Mount Badly / Cucamonga Peak areas and sees the subjects is asked to call.
 
Refer:                     Detective Meelker
 
Station:                  Volunteer Forces / Search and Rescue
 
Phone No.             909-387-8313 / Non-emergency Dispatch
 
Case No.                031900978
 
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department