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Hiker Who Kept Climbing California's Mount Whitney After Friend Turned Back Found Dead
The hiker continued alone into hazardous winter conditions and was found dead below the Final 400 on Mount Whitney, marking the third fatality on the peak this season.
- By January 22, 2026, a hiker was found dead on Mount Whitney after parting ways with another hiker the previous day, located below the `Final 400` on the Mountaineers Route, Tulare County Sheriff's Office confirmed.
- Two hikers began climbing around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, and at roughly 3:30 p.m. near 12,500 feet one turned back while the other continued alone Sunday afternoon.
- Inyo County Search and Rescue said it was notified Monday that a hiker was overdue, prompting a search by half-dozen searchers and a California Highway Patrol helicopter.
- The death is the third reported on Mount Whitney this season, and Search & Rescue officials urged climbers to carry crampons, an ice ax, travel in groups, and bring a satellite communication device.
- Many fatalities happen when people travel solo or groups separate, and local officials say unprepared and inexperienced hikers face high risks; fatigue also impairs judgment, officials said.
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Hiker Dies On Mt. Whitney
(Lone Pine, CA) — A hiker has died on Mt. Whitney. The Inyo County Sheriff says two hikers started climbing the tallest mountain in the lower 48 back on Saturday. The next day, one hiker decided it was best to turn around. The second hiker continued to hike toward the top of the 14-thousand-five-hundred foot mountain. That second hiker failed to return by the following morning. Search and rescue teams from multiple agencies searched the mountain…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 36%
C 46%
R 18%
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