Hagner Search (11/2/08)

Mr. Hagner was reported missing by his wife on Saturday evening. Mrs. Hagner had a general idea of where he was headed, and mentioned that he was active in a hiking club that he found online. Mr. Hagner's car was located at the Ice House Canyon trailhead, and West Valley SAR began the search.

From Hagner Search

At approximately 0200 the call for additional resources was made with members of the Cave Rescue Team, Rim SAR, San Gorgonio SAR, Central Mountain SAR, and Victor Valley SAR responding. Around 0900 Sunday morning a group of hikers mentioned that they had heard somebody shouting near Sheep Canyon, and Team 3, in the area followed the Sheep Canyon drainage eventually making voice contact with the missing hikers.

From Hagner Search

It was determined at this time that there was more than one hiker, and that there were no significant injuries. After first contact, additional teams were immediately redirected to this location to access the hikers' location from the top, as the team below could not climb the steep drainage from their vantage point below. Litter-carry teams were also staged at the Ice House Canyon trailhead to help in the event of a litter evacuation. About this time, the weather began to clear and Sheriff's Aviation was able to fly the area.

A two person team was assembled and inserted at Sheep Flat, about 0.5 km from the hikers' location. This team assessed the hikers and determined that they would be able to hike back up to the landing zone for evacuation.

Mr. Hagner and his hiking companion were debriefed at the Mt. Baldy Fire Station and released.