Full Notification

DATE/TIME: December 18, 2021 / 10:55 a.m.

INCIDENT: Hoist Rescue

LOCATION: Ontario Peak, Cucamonga Wilderness

SUSPECT(S): N/A

VICTIM(S): Patrick Murphy, 27-years-old, of Los Angeles

SUMMARY: On Saturday, December 18, 2021, the Fontana Sheriff's Station received multiple search and rescue requests in the Mt. Baldy mountain areas. One of the requests was a report of a male hiker who slid on ice and snow, down the mountainside, approximately 100 feet. The hiker, identified as Patrick Murphy, suffered minor cuts and was unable to climb back up to the trail despite having ice gear with him. Patrick feared he would slide further down the mountain and requested immediate assistance.

Fontana deputies requested the assistance from Sheriff's Aviation to locate and rescue the hiker. Sheriff's patrol helicopter 40-King-3 responded to the area and began searching for Patrick. The patrol crew located him by using his GPS coordinates; provided by his cellular phone call to 911.

The crew requested assistance from Air Rescue 306 to assist with a rescue hoist. The crew of Air Rescue 306 arrived at the scene shortly after. The patrol crew guided Air Rescue to Patrick's location. Air Medic Tom Gallant was lowered via hoist about 145' down to Patrick. Gallant tried to anchor into the snow but was unable to, due to the hard packed ice.

After Gallant placed Patrick in a rescue harness, both were hoisted up to the helicopter. The crew transported Patrick to San Antonio Dam where Fontana Deputy Thompson drove him back to his vehicle without further incident.

We would like to send a  friendly reminder during this Christmas break for safe hiking/mountaineering:
1) Research your intended hike route for level of difficulty- choose the right hike that is best for you.
2) Never hike alone or split from your group; and know where you're going (tell someone where you will be hiking).
3) Always plan for inclement weather (rain, snow, freezing temperatures, etc.).
4) Pack essential emergency gear (phone, clothing, flashlight w/extra batteries, whistle, lighter, first aid, pocket knife, etc.).
5.) Hydration - Proper hydration is essential!

40-King-3 Crew
Pilot - Corporal Ryan Peppler
Flight Officer - Corporal Chris Mejia

Air Rescue 306 Crew
Pilot - Deputy Doug Brimmer
Hoist Operator - Reserve Deputy Wayne Hess
Air Medic - Tom Gallant
Air Medic - Chris Williams
Air Medic - Peter Pang

Refer: Deputy Doug Brimmer

Station: Emergency Operations Division - Aviation Unit

Phone No. 909-252-4100

Case No. 032103303

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department