Tragic Fall on Mt Baldy: 19-Year-Old Identified Among Three Hikers Found Dead

Thu Jan 01 2026 05:53:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Authorities have identified Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, a 19-year-old who fell approximately 500 feet, as one of the three hikers who died on California's Mt Baldy.

A 19-year-old hiker, Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, has been confirmed dead after falling 500 feet on Mt Baldy, California. During the search, two additional deceased hikers were discovered. While hiking with a friend, Casanova's fall prompted a rescue operation that faced challenging weather conditions, leading to the eventual recovery of the bodies a few days later. His family mourns the loss of the avid outdoorsman, as authorities increasing caution about the mountain's dangers.

Tragic Fall on Mt Baldy: 19-Year-Old Identified Among Three Hikers Found Dead

Authorities have identified Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, a 19-year-old who fell approximately 500 feet, as one of the three hikers who died on California's Mt Baldy.

Three hikers, including Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, 19, were found dead on Mt Baldy, a prominent and perilous mountain known for its treacherous climbing conditions in Southern California.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reported that Casanova's body was discovered alongside two others during the search effort, although the two additional hikers were not hiking with him and it remains unclear how long they had been deceased.

On December 29, Casanova and a friend embarked on a hike, but after he fell, his friend had to trek away from the scene near the Devil's Backbone trail to find a spot with cell reception and relay their GPS coordinates to rescue officials. Thankfully, the friend remained unharmed.

Due to inclement weather and high winds, rescue crews were unable to conduct a helicopter recovery operation initially but were eventually able to retrieve the bodies a few days later. Previously, the sheriff's office reported rescuing five other hikers from the mountain within the week.

“We are destroyed by the loss of our beloved Marcus,” his grieving family lamented in a public statement. They described him as an “avid sailor and outdoorsman.”

Reaching a height of 10,064 feet (3068m) in the San Gabriel Mountains, Mt Baldy — also known as Mt San Antonio — has been deemed one of the deadliest peaks in the U.S., with over 14 deaths reported since 2020, including that of British actor Julian Sands earlier this year.

Authorities have urged climbers, particularly novices, to avoid the mountain, especially amid unpredictable winter weather. “It is one of the most dangerous trails we have here in our area,” stated Jenny Smith, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, emphasizing the risks associated with the Devil's Backbone trail.

In the aftermath of these fatalities, all trails on Mt Baldy have been temporarily closed until further notice as authorities reassess safety for hikers.