UNPREDICTABLE CONDITIONS

Missing Hiker Found Dead After Horrific Accident

A helicopter search was launched.

A hiker has been found dead after falling from a path during a hike in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The man was reported missing on Aug. 2 after setting out through the Palisade Mountains, with his Garmin last pinging near Agassiz Col the previous day. Inyo County Search & Rescue said Friday that his trek involved “many miles of difficult off-trail travel and significant elevation gain and loss.” An H-82 helicopter searching the area on Aug. 3 spotted the man’s remains above Sam Mack Meadow and lowered two rescuers to the scene. “It was determined that he had sustained severe injuries consistent with a fall from the cliff,” it said. The agency warned that “mountain travel can be unpredictable, especially during long days in remote and difficult terrain.” “Plan conservatively, carry adequate warm layers and an emergency bivy bag, and be prepared to adjust plans as conditions change.”