The Inland Empire Crime Blog

On December 4th, 2009, at approximately 7:40 A.M., deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Cabazon Station responded to a report of a person needing to be rescued from the Chino Canyon area, adjacent to the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram.

Upon arrival, deputies learned that the victim and a friend had taken the Palms Springs Tram to the top of the mountain on December 3rd, 2009, but had become lost during the day and could not find their way back. Unaware of their surroundings or the terrain, the victim and his friend remained stationary until dawn, at which time they attempted to hike down the mountain.

Due to weather conditions, as well as a lack of food or water for several hours, the victim began suffering severe leg cramps and was unable to continue. The victim’s friend was able to make it to the base of the mountain, and contacted Palm Springs Tram employees for assistance.

Members of the Riverside County Mountain Rescue Unit (RMRU) responded to the area, and were subsequently air lifted to the area of the victim by a helicopter crew assigned to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit. RMRU members were able to locate the victim, who was then flown from the canyon by the Sheriff’s helicopter crew. The victim, identified as Brett Blanchard, 42 years of age from Tempe Arizona was suffering from severe leg cramps, as well as minor contusions, but was otherwise uninjured and declined formal medical treatment.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages those enjoying the local wilderness area to dress appropriately for the winter weather conditions, to be aware of their surroundings, and to keep adequate amounts of food and water with them.

via Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – Press Release.