Rescuers spot headlamp in dark forest and rush to help hurt hiker, CA crews say
Rescuers rushed to help an injured hiker in a dark California forest after spotting his headlamp overhead.
The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team said they, along with a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department rescue team, set out to “search for an injured hiker in the Dark Canyon area of the Angeles National Forest” just after 6:30 p.m., Sunday Aug. 24, according to the nonprofit’s Facebook post.
Rescuers said as they searched the canyon from the north side, two additional rescue teams searched from the south and east sides.
While rescuers started scouring the canyon, the hiker contacted 911 through SMS, saying he had limb injuries and bee stings, the nonprofit said.
About two hours after rescuers entered the canyon, a Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopter crew spotted the man’s headlamp, according to the nonprofit.
The fire department crew lowered a medic, as Sierra Madre rescuers arrived at the injured hiker’s location, south of Oakwilde Trail Camp, the nonprofit said.
Rescuers medically assessed the hiker, who was then airlifted by helicopter for additional assessment, officials said, adding that all crews were out of the forest just before 10:30 p.m.
Rescuers urged the importance of staying in place “if you ever hit the SOS button on your phone or device.”
“By staying in place after raising the alarm, the hiker ensured that searchers could quickly focus on his location, expediting the rescue,” rescuers said.
Angeles National Forest is about a 15-mile drive north from Los Angeles.
This story was originally published August 25, 2025 at 2:54 PM with the headline "Rescuers spot headlamp in dark forest and rush to help hurt hiker, CA crews say."
