A search for a missing California hiker was suspended after a volunteer died while looking for him, according to a report.

Search crews were attempting Saturday to find and rescue Sreenivas “Sree” Mokkapati, who disappeared while hiking to Mount Baldy Summit, news station KABC reported.

But efforts were called off when one of the volunteers, 32-year-old Tim Staples, died in an apparent fall into an ice chute, officials said

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a helicopter to rescue Staples, but discovered he suffered fatal injuries, officials said.

“Our Search and Rescue volunteers, as well as those throughout the entire state, give up themselves and their time, selflessly, to try to rescue folks who become lost,” San Bernardino Sheriff John McMahon said at a press conference. “Today is an example of what they’re willing to give to try to help save some of the citizens that unfortunately get lost or get hurt in some of the most dangerous parts of our state.”

The San Bernadino Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday that the search for Mokkapati was being suspended in the wake of Staples’ death.

“ALL search operations for Mr. Mokkapoti are suspended,” authorities wrote in a tweet. “Search and rescue crews are being recalled from the mountain and search operations are being re-evaluated.”

Mokkapati, 52, went missing when he got separated Dec. 8 from a group of three friends while hiking from the Village at Bear Flats, officials said. The group reported his disappearance to authorities the same day when they returned back to their vehicle.