A tragic incident unfolded in the Mount Baldy region of Southern California, where a 19-year-old and two other hikers were discovered dead on Monday, as reported by local authorities.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department revealed that their search and rescue team was initially dispatched to locate a 19-year-old hiker who had reportedly fallen approximately 500 feet near the area known as Devils Backbone.

According to the sheriff’s department, the teenager’s companion, who was hiking alongside him, managed to find an area with cell service to contact the authorities for assistance. This prompted the deployment of a search team, which included an aerial unit scanning the mountainous terrain.

During the aerial operation, officers located the injured teenager and subsequently discovered the bodies of two additional hikers nearby. Authorities clarified that these individuals were not part of the group with the 19-year-old or the friend who had reached out for help.

The sheriff’s department stated that they were initially unaware of the presence of the other two hikers and encountered them incidentally while searching for the teenager.

All three hikers found dead have not been identified. Meantime, the teen’s friend who called for help was not injured, authorities said.

The sheriff’s department said that due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue. Then, at around 7:30 p.m., a Los Angeles County aircraft was used to help.

“High winds again prevented a hoist operation,” said the sheriff’s department. “However, an air medic was hoisted down and confirmed all three individuals were deceased. Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue.”

A recovery operation for all three hikers is underway.

This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.