Two Men Rescued From Near the Devil’s Backbone Trail Monday

MT. BALDY – Two hikers were rescued from the Devil’s Backbone Trail near the San Antonio Falls area of Mt. Baldy Sheriff’s officials said. On Monday, June 13th, 22-year-old Washington State resident, Joshua Scarth and 20-year-old Azusa, California resident, Alex Nakashimada while on their hiking adventure left the trail climbing up to extremely steep and unstable terrain.

Due to loose shale, the two became stuck at the 8700’ level. The two called for help to other hikers who were on the trail, as a result several hikers called 911.

Emergency personnel including 40 King 4, a Sheriff’s Helicopter were dispatched to the scene at around 12:35 p.m. to search for the pair. When they arrived they determined that both men would need to be rescued by hoist. Scarth would need a pick-off hoist rescue because he was stuck in a chute with loose shale and was unable to move.

The pilot, Deputy Conner brought the helicopter to hover about 200 feet above Scarth. Scarth had a small dog with him, which he was told to secure in his backpack, which he did. Soon after the hoist was lowered and Scarth was secured with a Hasty Harness to be hoisted 200 feet up into the aircraft.

Nakashimade was stuck on a small semi-stable plateau 10’ higher than where Scarth was. He was secured with a Bauman Screamer Suit and hoisted into the aircraft.

No injuries were reported as a result of this incident, the Sheriff’s Department would like to remind hikers to remain on the trails when in the local mountains.

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