Hiker found screaming after 25-foot fall from California waterfall
Share and Follow


(KTLA) – A seriously injured hiker was found screaming for help after plunging about halfway down a popular hiking destination and crashing onto rocks.

The fall happened Sunday afternoon at Big Falls near Forest Falls in the San Bernardino Mountains, according to county fire officials.

According to a post from San Bernardino County Fire, emergency crews were sent out around 3:45 p.m. after someone reported hearing cries for help coming from the waterfall. The caller couldn’t see the injured person but said the screams were coming from midway up the falls.

Officials say the hiker lost his footing while trying to cross a wet, slippery section of the waterfall and plummeted roughly 25 feet into a rocky pool below.

Firefighters hiked in and located the man, who had suffered serious injuries. After an initial assessment, crews called in a hoist-capable rescue helicopter to lift the patient from the rugged terrain.

The helicopter lowered a paramedic into the area, and together with ground crew, the team secured the hiker into a basket for transport. Video captured the moment he was airlifted from the scene, before being flown to a nearby trauma center. His current condition was unknown as of Tuesday.

No other injuries were reported.

San Bernardino County Fire reminded visitors to stay on marked trails and exercise caution near waterfalls.

“We respond to incidents at this popular location often, where people are seriously injured,” the department wrote. “Please make smart choices and stay safe.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
400 days of striking later, Florida Teamsters secure union contract with Breakthru Beverage

Florida Teamsters Triumph: Securing Breakthru Beverage Union Contract After 400-Day Strike

After a persistent fight that lasted 400 days, Teamsters union members in…
Erika Kirk rallies with JD Vance at emotional Turning Point event

Erika Kirk and JD Vance Ignite Passion at Unforgettable Turning Point Event

Erika Kirk, now leading Turning Point USA as CEO, made her debut…
Martha Swick, left, and her husband Bill Swick look at each other at their home in Minooka, Ill., Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Government Shutdown Halts Telehealth Services, Leaving Patients Without Essential Care

MINOOKA, Ill. — Navigating life with a rare degenerative brain disease, Bill…
Hollywood golden boy's secret New Mexico rendezvous with Epstein

Unveiled: A-List Actor’s Hidden New Mexico Encounter with Jeffrey Epstein

In an unexpected twist of events, a celebrated Hollywood icon found himself…
'People are starving': Jacksonville restaurants step up to feed families as SNAP benefits freeze

Jacksonville Restaurants Unite to Combat Hunger as SNAP Benefits Remain Frozen

In Jacksonville, various restaurants are stepping up to support families facing difficulties…
Democrats, Republicans pitch competing SNAP bills: What to know

Key Differences in New SNAP Proposals from Democrats and Republicans Unveiled

Amidst the ongoing government shutdown, both Democrats and Republicans are racing against…
'Gen Z' Dem candidate charged with interfering with ICE posted video of herself in mob blocking unmarked SUV

Gen Z Democratic Candidate Faces Charges for Allegedly Obstructing ICE; Video Shows Her in Protest Blocking Unmarked SUV

An Illinois Democratic candidate for Congress, Kat Abughazaleh, recently shared a video…
Motive revealed in Kentucky sheriff’s alleged killing of judge as body language expert analyzes new video

Kentucky Sheriff’s Daughter Defends Father Amidst Judge Shooting Allegations and Online Rumors

The teenage daughter of a former Kentucky sheriff, accused of fatally shooting…