Injured Mountain Biker Airlifted By OCFA Rescue Helicopter

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — A 40-year old man fell from his mountain bike about 4 miles from the entrance of Black Star Canyon, Wednesday afternoon, according to Orange County Fire Authority.

"The man suffered acute injuries and is being packaged up by OCFA," OCFA Capt. Larry Kurtz said. According to the report, the patient suffered critical neck injuries and is being airlifted out to an area hospital as of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Orange County Sheriff's Department's Duke helicopter also arrived on scene, but was called off by OCFA who had the situation well in hand, according to Kurtz.

The OCFA rescue personnel were first to the scene to conduct the air hoist rescue in the Cleveland National Forest, after a heated debate between the Sheriff's Department and Orange County Fire Authority on whose job it is to conduct search and rescue operations in Orange County.

OCFA Photo