A tragic incident unfolded in the remote mountains of Southern California over the weekend. Authorities reported that a hiker, who ventured out to locate friends lost on a trail, was discovered deceased.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office received a call just before 8:30 p.m. on Saturday regarding a missing hiker near State Route 74 in Anza. Deputies promptly responded to the scene.

The caller explained that four members of their hiking group had embarked on a trek earlier that morning but had not returned as expected. Concerned for their safety, another group member decided to search for them.

In response, the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit alongside the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit initiated a search operation.

Tragically, the fifth hiker, who had gone in search of the missing group members, was found dead at the base of a 150-foot rock face. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

A helicopter crew found the initial four missing hikers and hoisted them to safety. The group was taken to the Lake Hemet Mountain Station, where they were medically evaluated.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit and Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit took part in the search for the missing hikers in the remote mountains near Anza, California, on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, File)

Crews continued searching for the additional hiker and found the person near the base of a 150-foot rock face. Rescue personnel reached the hiker and pronounced the individual dead at the scene.

A helicopter crew spotted the four initial missing hikers and hoisted them to safety. (Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, File)

The Riverside County Coroner’s Bureau is investigating the death.

Rescue teams later recovered the body from the remote terrain. Authorities have not released the hiker’s identity.

The investigation remains ongoing.