Rescue crews on Tuesday struggled to recover the bodies of three hikers who died on Southern California’s snowy Mount Baldy, but were able to save two hikers who got stranded on another part of the mountain.

Members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue team began one mission Monday morning after a request was made to locate a 19-year-old male hiker who had fallen approximately 500 feet. The teen was hiking with two friends who had used a cellphone to call for help.

“During the aerial search, deputies located the injured hiker and located two additional individuals nearby who have not been identified. Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue,” a release from the sheriff’s department said.

Several hours later, rescuers returned to the area, but it was too late.

“At approximately 7:30 p.m., an airship from Los Angeles County assisted in the effort. High winds again prevented a hoist operation; however, an air medic was hoisted down and confirmed all three individuals were deceased. Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue,” the department shared.

But San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Air Rescue was able to save two other hikers who also called for help after one of them suffered a fall.

“The hikers, an 18-year-old male and a 31-year-old male, were hiking when one of them fell approximately 100 feet, sustaining injuries. They were able to call 911 for assistance and provide their location,” the department said in a statement. The two hikers were found and hoisted to safety.

The identities of the five hikers have not been released.

The mountain is reported to have 15 inches of snow, having received a fresh coat of about 6 inches on Friday. 

British actor Julian Sands was found dead in the Mount Baldy area following a solo hike in 2023. He had been reported missing in January of that year and his body was not found until June.