The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is issuing an urgent warning following the tragic death of Crystal Paula Gonzalez-Landas on Jan 8. She was a mother of four. She was known to her friends and family as the “dancing hiking queen.” She died after falling on Mt. Baldy earlier in the month.
According to officials, Gonzalez-Landas had fallen anywhere from 500 to 700 feet down a steep and icy hillside after slipping on ice, the second such falling death in two weeks on the same mountain.
A medic was lowered and determined she needed air rescue. She was taken by helicopter to a local hospital, where she died from the injuries she sustained.
Gonzalez-Landas was a beacon of light to everyone who knew her and was always ready to lend a helping hand, according to a GoFundMe page set up by her family.
It says, “Many know her as the dancing hiking queen or hiker for life. She’s known in the community for her fearless hikes, and daily dose of inspiration.”
The page continues, “She was an amazing mother of four, a sister, and a friend to everyone she met. She is the personification of strength, love, and beauty. She was a beacon of light to everyone who knew her and was always ready to lend a helping hand.”
They asked anyone who knew her to share any memories or pictures of her on the page.
The Sheriff’s Department encourages hikers to wear appropriate clothing and have proper snow and ice gear when exploring the area. They urge all to please hike responsibly.
“Many fall victims are reported on the same mountain in the winter season. We encourage hikers to please come prepared and hike responsibly. Wear appropriate clothing for the colder weather conditions and have the proper snow and ice gear with you,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said.