Hiker Dies On Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail In Remote Riverside County

ANZA, CA — A person hiking along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, in the backcountry near Anza, has died, officials say.

Shortly before 11:30 a.m., Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department was called to the scene in the remote California Section B portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail in the San Bernardino National Forest. There, a hiker had suffered undetermined injuries.

Firefighters attempted to reach the hiker on foot, near Bear Track Court and Old Cattle Trail off of Coyote Canyon Road in unincorporated Anza. As they were unable to proceed, they set up a command post near the trailhead, and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department RSO Rescue 9 aviation team was called to the scene to assist.

"Deputies reached the hiker and provided medical aid however, the hiker was pronounced deceased at the scene," Lt. Dierdre Vickers told Patch. "The Riverside Coroner’s Bureau was contacted and responded to assume the investigation. The Aviation Unit is currently assisting with the retrieval of the decedent from a remote area along the hiking trail."

This investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.