Rescue teams were activated when a young mother fell into the river on the Bridge to Nowhere trail in Los Angeles County. Sadly, she did not survive. Photo: Ike Meiring//AllTrails
A hiker who fell into the East Fork of the San Gabriel River in Los Angeles County has been found deceased. The incident occurred on March 1 on the “Bridge to Nowhere” trail in Angeles National Forest.
The San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team, coincidentally doing search-and-rescue training at the trailhead, was alerted by a hiker that a woman had fallen into the swollen river.
“A frantic runner came charging up the trail yelling for help,” the rescue team wrote on Facebook. “A young mother had fallen in at the second river crossing and was swept away by the raging current. Our worst fears became reality.”
The rescue team alerted authorities to an emergency response at 8:03 a.m., involving the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the San Dimas Sheriff’s Station. The body of the victim, whose identity was not released, was found in the river.
The Bridge to Nowhere trail is listed on AllTrails as a 9.6-mile out-and-back hike with 1,230 feet of elevation gain. The trail gets its name from a concrete arch bridge spanning the canyon at the route’s end – a project that was ultimately abandoned and never connected to any roads.
The hike requires crossing the river several times. According to the rescue team, the incident on Sunday took place at the second river crossing. Photos on AllTrails from last month show ropes installed at the river crossings to aid hikers.
“This is a devastating reminder of how dangerous the East Fork and Bridge to Nowhere Trail can be right now, especially with swift, high water from recent conditions,” the rescue team said. “Multiple crossings are required, and even experienced hikers can be caught off guard.”
“Please stay off the East Fork and Bridge to Nowhere Trail until water levels drop significantly and conditions are safer,” they added. “Turn around if the water looks too fast or deep. Your life (and your loved ones’ hearts) are worth more than any hike. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and everyone touched by this tragedy. May they find some comfort in the days ahead.”
