Palm Springs Hiker Gets Rescued Again Within 15 Months

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit found Emin Alihodic, 57, and a 38 year old Mission Viejo woman stranded at the top of the tram.

They were located at the 8,500-foot level of the Willow Creek trail.

But, Alihodic is not a stranger to mountain rescues. He was rescued last year on February 9, 2009.

The sheriff’s department says Alihodic left from the lower tram early Tuesday morning. He became disoriented after encountering heavy snow and ice.

Hikers at the “bump and grind” trail are flabbergasted. They say Alihodic should be held accountable for getting lost — and for getting rescued— again.

“That’s just crazy!” said Chandra Ramirez, of Palm Desert. “You figured he learned the first time.”

Palm Desert hiker Howard Henn added: “Anybody who gets lost should be billed 100%!”

The sheriff’s department will not reveal the pricetag associated with a mountain rescue. The department fears it will discourage future lost hikers from making an emergency call.

But, with Riverside County facing a budget shortfall of $131 million, every penny counts.

“Maybe he can make a generous donation,” suggested Alexis Suter, of Palm Springs.

Since Alihodic is a county resident, he will never see a bill. Everyone else in the county already paid it through local taxes.