A tragic incident unfolded in the remote mountains of Southern California over the weekend as a dedicated hiker lost his life while attempting to locate friends who had gone missing on a trail, officials report.

Authorities from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, concerning a hiker’s disappearance near State Route 74 in Anza.

The caller informed deputies that their hiking group of four had embarked on an early morning trek but had not returned as expected. Fearing for their safety, another group member ventured out to search for them.

In response, the sheriff’s Aviation Unit teamed up with the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit to initiate a search operation.

Tragically, the fifth hiker, who had bravely set off to find his missing companions, was discovered deceased at the foot of a 150-foot rock face. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Meanwhile, a helicopter crew successfully located the initial group of four missing hikers, safely airlifting them to the Lake Hemet Mountain Station. There, they underwent medical evaluations to ensure their well-being.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit and Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit took part in the search for the missing hikers in the remote mountains near Anza, California, on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, File)

Crews continued searching for the additional hiker and found the person near the base of a 150-foot rock face. Rescue personnel reached the hiker and pronounced the individual dead at the scene.

A helicopter crew spotted the four initial missing hikers and hoisted them to safety. (Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, File)

The Riverside County Coroner’s Bureau is investigating the death.

Rescue teams later recovered the body from the remote terrain. Authorities have not released the hiker’s identity.

The investigation remains ongoing.