California Hikers’ TERRIFYING 800-FOOT FALL—Freezing Nights and Fractured Bones!
Two hikers clung to life for days after a brutal 800-foot fall down a snowy California cliff, battling 15-degree cold and wild animals. 🌐 #News #IdyllwildCA #California #Rescue
IDYLLWILD, CA – Two hikers, Veda Lin and Christopher Ng, endured a harrowing ordeal after falling 800 feet down a snowy cliff on Tahquitz Peak, approximately 8,900 feet above Idyllwild, California. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Saturday, during a planned day hike along a ridgeline trail. Slipping on ice, the pair lost their footing and plummeted, unaware of the full extent of their fall until rescuers later informed them.
Ng suffered a fractured leg and frostbite on one foot, while Lin sustained fractures to her sternum, spine, and face. Clinging to each other during the descent, they landed in a treacherous, snow-covered area where they faced freezing temperatures and high winds.
Challenging Rescue Efforts in Harsh Conditions
Rescue operations began swiftly but faced significant obstacles. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Rescue 9 helicopter responded first, making multiple attempts to hoist the hikers on Saturday. High winds forced the crew to abandon the effort.
Cal Fire helicopter 608 and an Orange County Fire Authority helicopter also tried to reach the stranded pair but were thwarted by low clouds and turbulent conditions.
As snow fell and temperatures dropped to as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit overnight, Lin and Ng huddled beneath a tree for shelter, relying on their body heat to stay warm. Their phone battery died, leaving them isolated for nearly 12 hours until Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit volunteers arrived on foot with warm clothes, sleeping bags, and heat sources.
Further rescue attempts on Sunday, by Rescue 9 and Cal Fire helicopter 608 failed due to mountain obscuration and strong surface winds. The hikers remained stranded until Monday, when conditions allowed for a breakthrough.
After three more tries, Rescue 9 successfully hoisted Ng, whose injuries were more severe, in a windy operation. He was flown to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment. Shortly after, Cal Fire helicopter 608 lifted Lin to safety, and she was also transported to the same medical facility.
Gratitude Amid a Terrifying Ordeal
The hikers expressed deep appreciation for the relentless efforts of the search and rescue teams.
Ng noted that watching helicopters circle overhead, unable to reach them, was difficult, while Lin described the eerie sounds of nearby animals as night fell, adding to their fear. Both emphasized the dedication of the rescuers, who braved stormy weather to ensure their safety and provide care.
The volunteers reached them after a grueling overnight trek on Saturday, offering vital support that sustained them until their evacuation on Monday.
Lin and Ng credited the teams’ extraordinary commitment for their survival, highlighting the rescuers’ focus on their well-being despite the brutal conditions.
A Moment for Reflection
We pause to honor Veda Lin and Christopher Ng for their resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship, and the brave rescuers whose tireless efforts brought them to safety. The Idyllwild community, along with the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit and supporting agencies, showed remarkable unity and strength, rallying together in a time of crisis. For all who hear their story, may it inspire a sense of hope and courage, proving that even in the darkest moments, determination and compassion can prevail. – Jack and Kitty Norton, Founders and Editors
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | California
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
