January 19, 2026 26-030 26-03

Mutual Aid request from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office for an overdue hiker on Mt. Whitney. Start 1203 hours, finish 1908 hours.

From the Inyo County Search and Rescue Facebook post:

Fatality on Mount Whitney

On Monday, January 19, 2026, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Team received a report of an overdue hiker on Mount Whitney.

Two hikers began their ascent at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, continuing through the night and into the following day. At approximately 3:30 p.m., while near the 12,500-foot elevation, one hiker determined it was safest to turn around and descend. The second hiker continued ascending toward the summit.

When the second hiker failed to return by the following morning, the reporting party contacted the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, and a SAR response was initiated.

Six rescuers assembled in Lone Pine and coordinated with the California Highway Patrol Inland Division helicopter (H-82) out of Apple Valley, which arrived shortly before 2:00 p.m. One rescuer was inserted with the flight crew to conduct an aerial search. After a thorough search, the subject was located on the north face of Mount Whitney, below the “Final 400” on the Mountaineers Route, and was confirmed deceased.

A second rescuer was flown in to assist with recovery operations. All rescuers were safely returned to Lone Pine by approximately 5:50 p.m.

The incident occurred within Tulare County jurisdiction, and proper notification was made to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.

This incident, along with recent fatalities on Mount Whitney and Mount Baldy, serves as a reminder that winter ascents are serious mountaineering endeavors, not hikes. Winter conditions leave little margin for error, and the consequences can be severe.

Additionally, many fatalities occur when individuals travel solo or when groups separate. If someone in your group expresses safety concerns, those concerns should be taken seriously.

Fatigue is also a critical contributing factor. Extended periods of exertion negatively impact decision-making and increase the likelihood of missteps and falls. Knowing when to turn around can save lives.

Please be respectful in your comments. The victim’s family and friends may be following this post, and some comments may be hurtful. Thank you!

Inyo SAR is an all-volunteer, unpaid professional non-profit 501(c)3 organization in cooperation under the authority of the Inyo County Sheriff's Office.

Mono IC: Rhoads Mono Ops Leader: Haugh Mono Responders: Lipman, Huizingh