A member of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department search and rescue team was found dead in the ice and snow Saturday during a search of Mt. Baldy for a missing hiker. All crew members were recalled and search operations for the missing hiker were suspended. Activities affected under the emergency closure include dispersed recreation, recreation at forest service recreation sites, hiking, cross-country skiing or other recreation within the closure area. After family and friends of Mokkapati made pleas Wednesday evening for more certified search crews to volunteer, the number of volunteers doubled, KCAL-TV Channel 9 reported.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 15, 2019 03:33 UTC