Hiker Lost Atop Mt. San Jacinto After Blizzard-Like Conditions

Members of Riverside County Sheriff’s search and rescue teams were searching the Mt. San Jacinto wilderness on Sunday for any signs of a hiker who hasn’t been heard from since venturing out on Saturday morning.

Family members of Brian Carrico, 57, of Redondo Beach, said he had not returned at the time he said he would, so they contacted the State Parks Dept., who in turn contacted the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept.

Carrico had left the lower tram station early Saturday morning, said Lt. Ruben Navarro. When the family’s call came into authorities the conditions atop the mountain were near white-out snowfall and temperatures in the low to mid-20s.

The last known time his cellular phone was working was noon on Saturday.

Carrico was an experienced hiker, and his family told searchers he was properly equipped with food, water, and heavy clothing.

“It is important that hiking enthusiasts remember high altitude mountain trails can quickly and unexpectedly get overcome by severe weather conditions,” said Navarro. “It is also important to note that cellular phones cannot always be relied upon in mountainous terrain.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Cabazon Sheriff?s Station at (951)922-7100 or via email at CabazonStation@riversidesheriff.org