Full Notification

DATE/TIME: June 13, 2016/ 12:35 p.m.

INCIDENT: S&R Hoist Rescue

LOCATION: Devil's Backbone, Mt Baldy

VICTIM(S): Joshua Scarth, 22, Washington State
Alexa Nakashimada, 20, Azusa, CA

SUMMARY: On Monday, June 13, 2016, Joshua Scarth and Alexa Nakashimada, were on a hike near the San Antonio Falls area of Mt. Baldy, when they decided to leave the trail and climb up from the trail on extremely steep and unstable terrain. They eventually became stuck at the 8700' level in a steep area with loose shale. The two could not climb up or down and began to call for help to hikers on the Devil's Backbone trail. Multiple hikers contacted 911.

At approximately 12:35pm, members of the Fontana Sheriff’s Station, along with Sheriff’s helicopter 40King4, with a crew of Pilot Lieutenant Mitch Dattilo and Pilot Deputy Brad Heard, were dispatched to search for the victims. When Dattilo and Heard arrived on scene, they located both victims on the cliff and determined both victims needed hoist rescue, and Scarth would need a pick-off hoist rescue. Scarth was stuck in a chute on loose shale and unable to move. Sheriff’s Air Rescue 306 (AR306), with a crew of Pilot Deputy Ryan Conner, Crew Chief Sergeant Daniel Futscher, SBCFD Captain Jack Dejong, and Air Medics Diem Ho and William Villegas responded to the location.

The crew of AR306 rigged for a pick-off hoist and responded to the location. Once on scene, Deputy Conner brought the helicopter into a hover approximately 200’ above Scarth, in order to keep the rotor wash from pushing him down the chute. Futscher lowered Ho on the hoist down until she was able to reach him and secure him with a Hasty Harness. Just before she reached Scarth, Ho realized he had a small dog with him and yelled for him to secure the dog in the backpack he was wearing, which he did. Conner then slowly moved the helicopter until Ho came into contact with Scarth and immediately placed a Hasty Harness around him. As soon as the harness was affixed, Ho and Scarth were safely hoisted up 200’ into the aircraft.

Nakashimada was stuck on a small plateau 10' above where Scarth had been. Futscher lowered Ho to Nakashimada, and due to the stability of the plateau, Ho placed Nakashimada into a Bauman Screamer Suit. Once secured, Ho and Nakashimada were hoisted the 200' back into the aircraft.

AR306 transported Scarth and Nakashimada to Fontana Station Deputy Matt King, who was waiting at the Mt. Baldy Lodge.

The Sheriff’s Department would like to remind hikers to stay on trail while hiking in the local mountains.

Refer: Sgt. Daniel Futscher
Station: Aviation
Phone No. 909 252 4100
Case No. FNR1601742

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department