Authorities are searching for a 59-year-old Asian woman, identified as a travel nurse, who was swept away by the San Gabriel River while hiking in the Angeles National Forest with a group of friends. According to reports by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at around 9:50 a.m..
The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, was crossing the river near the Heaton Flats Trail with her companions when she lost her footing due to strong river currents and was carried downstream.
The event triggered an immediate response from 60 personnel in local search and rescue teams, including the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team and the L.A. County Fire Department, who have been combing the area for any sign of the missing hiker.
Authorities have emphasized the search operation’s challenging conditions, noting the river’s treacherous terrain and rapid currents. Search teams, including Mountain Rescue Teams, Special Enforcement Bureau’s Emergency Medical Technicians, U.S. Forest Service personnel, and aerial support, have faced difficulties, necessitating the airlift of search and rescue personnel to various locations in the search perimeter.
The Angeles National Forest, located roughly 15 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, is known for its scenic beauty but also its potential hazards, particularly for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The incident has prompted the sheriff’s department to issue warnings and safety tips for crossing rivers and streams, advising the public on the power of water currents and the importance of caution when navigating such environments.
In addition to physical search efforts, unmanned drones have been deployed to provide aerial views of the rugged landscape, assisting in the comprehensive search for the missing woman. Despite these efforts, the sheriff’s department reported no significant updates as of Tuesday following the incident.
Authorities remain committed to the search, with Lieutenant Elisabeth Sachs of the San Dimas sheriff’s station affirming, “We will continue to search for her until she’s found.”