Hiker Dies, Another Hurt In Mountains Near Idyllwild [UPDATED]

IDYLLWILD, CA — A hiker was fatally injured Wednesday and his friend was seriously hurt while negotiating mountainous terrain east of Idyllwild. The hikers were reported down about 2 p.m. in the area of Tahquitz Rock, within the San Bernardino National Forest, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

An agency spokeswoman said more than 30 firefighters were sent to rescue the pair and hiked through Humber Park before locating them.

"Firefighters hiked in to the location of the victim and located one victim who perished at the scene," fire reports indicated. "Firefighters located a second victim and performed a hoist operation utilizing CAL FIRE Copter 901."

The nature of the hikers' injuries and how they were sustained were not disclosed. Neither victim was identified. However, the Press Enterprise reports that a rock slide occurred in the area while the duo was up there.

U.S. Forest Service rangers and Riverside County sheriff's deputies also took part in the rescue operation, which concluded shortly before 4 p.m.

— City News Service contributed to this report / Image via Shutterstock