by Timothy Rutt
One college student died after a recreational accident in the Angeles National Forest Monday.
According to a release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a group of 13 students were hiking near Hermit Falls on Monday, Nov. 11. Hikers to this area frequently jump from rocks into the pools below. According to the release, the group was jumping into the water. The victim, who was the sixth person to jump, surfaced but appeared to be unconscious. Several members of the group pulled the victim from the water and attempted CPR, while others called for help on cellphones.
According to the release, LA County FIre airlifted the victim to Huntington Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
I am a frequent hiker in the area and I have seen this area of the Big Santa Anita Canyon marred by death, injury and destruction. Thanks to Youtube, the place has become quite popular thrill seekers as the location is unmonitored and pretty much gives people carte blanche to do as they please. Unless something is done about the lawlessness that happens in the area, you can expect more death and injuries at Hermit Falls. You won’t find law enforcement and/or Forestry Service personnel patrolling this area unless someone seriously hurts themselves, or in this case, kills themselves. On any given weekend you can find day hikers littering, spray painting the rocks (tagging) and getting drunk/stoned/high with music blasting through the once-serene canyon. It’s a shame. It’s no wonder more people aren’t being injured in this kind of chaotic, lawless environment.
I totally agree with the previous comment. This must have once been an incredible beauty spot. It’s now horribly marred by graffiti and litter, and the Forest Service do nothing to clean it up. a