August 7, 2019 - The Madera County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) reports on Sunday, August 4, 2019 shortly before 3:00 p.m., the Madera County Sheriff’s Communication Center received a call regarding a hiker near Iceberg Lake who had fallen. Terrence Casey, a 53-year-old man from Glendora, was crossing a ridge line above the lake. Casey lost his footing and fell down the snow covered mountainside. The subject did not have any safety equipment to stop his fall and fell about 200-300 feet. His hiking partner attempted to help him but also fell down the mountainside. When the hiking partner was able to safely reach him, he discovered his partner was deceased.

This location is not within cell phone service range, and was initially reported by other hikers who witnessed the fall from across the lake and reverted to an area with cell phone service. One of the reporting parties was a Search and Rescue volunteer from Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, who came to the aid of the hiking partner and provided detailed location information to MCSO Search and Rescue.

As soon as weather conditions permitted, Alpine Search and Rescue Members from the Mono County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol Helicopter responded to the incident location and were able to recover the decedent.

We would like to remind anyone going on extended backpacking trips to be prepared with the proper gear for hiking and weather conditions. Iceberg Lake is on the East Side of the Sierra Crest just below Mount Ritter around 10,000 feet, and still has areas with snow. Regardless of your level of experience, always make a safety plan and let people know your hiking route.

We would like to thank the Mono County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol for their assistance during this difficult mission. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Casey and those affected by this tragic accident.
Source: MCSO