The hiker continued to climb California Mountain after the friend returned to safety. He was found dead the next day

Need to know

• A hiker is found dead attempting to climb California’s Mount Whitney, despite his friend’s return

• Around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, “nearing an elevation of 12,500 feet, one hiker determined it was safest to turn around and descend,” according to a statement from a local search and rescue group, continuing a second hike and eventually died.

• “After a thorough search, the subject was located on the north face of Mount Whitney, below the “Final 400″ on the climber’s route, and confirmed deceased,” officials said. They have not revealed the identity of the person

A hiker has been found dead after attempting to climb Mount Whitney in California, despite his friend’s return.

On Wednesday, January 21, Inyo County Search and Rescue confirmed in a post on Facebook that they received a report of a missing hiker on Monday.

Officials said the man began walking with another man around 11:30 p.m. Saturday and the next day.

However, at 3:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, “nearing an elevation of 12,500 feet, a hiker decided it was safest to turn around and descend.”

“A second hiker continued to ascend toward the summit,” the statement said. “When the second hiker failed to return the next morning, the reporting party contacted the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, and a SAR response was initiated.”

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The rescue effort involved a team of six rescuers and a California Highway Patrol Inland Division helicopter (H-82), which departed from Lone Pine.

When the helicopter arrived at Mount Whitney at 2:00 p.m., “a rescuer was inserted with the flight crew to conduct an aerial search.”

“After a thorough search, the subject was located on the north face of Mount Whitney, below the “Final 400″ on the climber’s route, and confirmed deceased,” officials said. They have not disclosed the identity of the person.

Rescuers then returned to Lone Pine just after 6:00 p.m

“The incident occurred within Tulare County jurisdiction, and proper notification was made to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office,” Inyo County Search and Rescue continued.

The news comes after the body of a 21-year-old hiker who went missing on Mount Whitney was found. Los Angeles Times Reported.

People previously reported that the father of two died after falling off the trail while climbing Mount Whitney in October.

In its latest statement, Inyo County Search and Rescue said “recent deaths on Mount Whitney and Mount Baldy indicate winter climbs are serious mountaineering efforts, not hiking.”

“Winter conditions leave little margin for error, and the consequences can be severe,” they added. “Furthermore, many deaths occur when individuals travel alone or when groups are separated.”

They said safety concerns for one person in the group “should be taken seriously.”

“Fatigue is also a significant contributing factor,” they added. “Extended periods of exertion negatively impact decision-making and increase the likelihood of mistakes and falls. Knowing when to turn can save lives.”

The rescuers’ statement concluded, “Please be respectful in your comments. The victim’s family and friends may be following this post, and some comments may be hurtful. Thank you!”

According to the National Park Service website, Mount Whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. The height of the peak is said to be 14,505 feet.

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