A man died early Saturday after falling while hiking near the second waterfall at Eaton Canyon, authorities said.
A man and a woman, both in their early to mid-20s were hiking in the area when the man fell 30 to 50 feet, said Sgt. Debra Herman, watch commander for Los Angeles County’s Altadena and Crescenta departments. He then began sliding down further down the hill.
Police received a call at 9:30 am Saturday reporting the fall and attempted CPR on the scene, but he was pronounced dead on the scene, said Herman.
The woman tried to help the man after his initial slide and got trapped herself, according to Herman.
Altadena Search and Rescue along with LA County firefighters hoisted the woman from the cliff. She suffered only minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
Saturday’s death was the second fatal hiking accident this week and incidents have been common place recently, said Herman.
She said that since July 31 there has only been one day where her department has not had to rescue a hiker in peril.
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Herman said that hiking isn’t necessarily dangerous, if people take proper precautions.
“Stay on the trials,” she recommended, “wear proper attire and bring water.”
Herman also said having a GPS navigator or smartphone with GPS is helpful both for hikers not to get lost and for authorities to find them when they do get injured.
“Also, stay within your skill level,” she said. “If you're wondering if it might be too difficult for you then don’t do it.”
