February 22, 2023 - San Bernardino County Sheriff Department officials reported that on Monday, February 20, 2023, Jackson Sellers (17) & Nicholas Sellers (29) of San Bernardino hiked up Cucamonga Peak Trail from Icehouse Saddle, at the 7,600 foot-level in the Mount Baldy area. As they traversed the trail through snow and ice, their hiking equipment failed, which caused them to lose their footing and slide from the icy terrain. Although not injured, the victims were exhausted and feared they would fall down the steep mountainside if they continued. Nicholas realized they needed help and called 911 on his cellular phone to request assistance.  

Sheriff's Dispatch received the 911 from Nicholas and dispatched deputies from Fontana Station to assist. Sheriff's Aviation was requested to assist in locating the two hikers using coordinates from the cellular phone. Sheriff's patrol helicopter 40 King 2 responded to the scene and located the hikers with the provided coordinates. The crew of 40 King requested Sheriff's Air Rescue for a hoist, due to the location and steep terrain. The crew of Air Rescue 306 hoisted one rescuer down to the hikers. Due to the steep terrain, the rescuer was inserted above the hikers, and utilized a rope system to reach the hikers. The rope system was used to move the hikers to a safe area where they could be hoisted from.    
 
Both hikers were placed into rescue harnesses and hoisted into the helicopter. The crew transported them to Fontana deputies at the San Antonio Dam without further incident.  

Hikers are encouraged to ensure their equipment is properly fitted and they are properly trained to use it. Hikers are also encouraged to always stay on marked and well-established paths and trails.     

40 King Crew: 
Pilot Sergeant Ed Leon
Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Jonathan Holt     
Pilot Corporal Ryan Peppler
Pilot Deputy Corey Lawrence

Air Rescue 306 Crew:
Pilot Deputy Doug Brimmer
Crew Chief Deputy Tommy Dickey
SBCoFD Flight Medic/Technical Rescuer Mike Demoff
SBCoFD Flight Medic Brandon Chavez

Refer: Deputy Doug Brimmer

Station: Emergency Operations Division/Aviation Unit

Phone No. 909-252-4100

Case No. DR#032300499

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff Department