A dehydrated Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker from Finland, who had run out of water, was assisted by the Riverside County Sheriff near Mount San Jacinto yesterday. He was transported to a nearby motel.
This is the fourth thru-hiker in distress on Mount San Jacinto this season. Four days earlier a sick hiker was rescued. On April 26 two lost hikers were rescued.
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Press Release: Hiker in Distress
Agency: Cabazon Station
Station Area: Cabazon
Written Date: May 15, 2011 Time: 10:00 A.M.
Incident Date: May 15, 2011 Time: 8:25 A.M.
Incident Location: Mount San Jacinto Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail
Reporting Officer: Sergeant Steve Fredericks
File Number(s): B111350008
Details:
On Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 8:25 A.M., deputies from the Cabazon Station of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department responded to the Pacific Crest Trail, near the Snow Creek community, regarding an adult male hiker who was in distress due to dehydration.
The hiker, identified as 30-year-old Ville Jokinen, of Finland, had been following the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to the termination point in Canada. While hiking on the trail in the Snow Creek area, Jokinen ran out of water and became severely dehydrated.
Jokinen was able to hike to the trailhead at the Snow Creek community, where Riverside County Sheriff’s Department deputies met him and summoned paramedics. Jokinen was treated for dehydration by paramedic personnel and transported to a local hotel after refusing hospitalization.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind hiking enthusiasts that adequate hydration, hiking in groups, and communication devices are all essential elements of a safe and successful hiking excursion, and remember that extreme temperature changes occur in these mountainous areas.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Cabazon Sheriff’s Station at 951.922.7100 or at [email protected]