Mountain biker dies after helping save dehydrated hikers, California officials say

A mountain biker died after helping rescue four hikers overcome by heat and dehydration in arid mountains near San Diego, California firefighters told news outlets.

Firefighters rescued the hikers from the Carrizo Gorge area, described as “very rugged and remote,” in the Jacumba Mountains on Saturday, July 15, Cal Fire/ San Diego County Fire reported on Facebook.

The hikers, who did not have food or water, were found by four bicyclists, firefighters told KGTV. Two rode out to meet rescuers and guide them to the hikers, while two remained.

Rescuers airlifted the hikers, who all required medical care, to safety and the two bicyclists who remained began to ride out together, fire officials told KGTV.

The two cyclists became separated, and rescuers later found one overcome by heat about a quarter-mile up the trail, KSWB reported.

The bicyclist was taken to a hospital in critical condition, firefighters reported.

He could not be revived and later died, KNSD reported. Two other bicyclists also required medical care.

Temperatures in the Jacumba Mountains reached 106 degrees Saturday, KSWB reported.

“Please remember to bring an adequate amount of water and food if you are enjoying our backcountry and try to plan activities earlier in the day when the temperatures are cooler,” firefighters advised on Facebook. “Also, hike in a group and let friends and family know where you’ll be and what time you expect to finish.”

The Jacumba Mountains are about 100 miles east of San Diego.

This story was originally published July 17, 2023 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Mountain biker dies after helping save dehydrated hikers, California officials say."