MALIBU—One hiker was found dead and eight others were rescued on Monday, September 2, from the Zuma Canyon area.
Officials from Malibu Search and Rescue Team, Los Angeles County Fire Department, McCormick Ambulance Service and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Aero Bureau responded to the area of Kanan Dume and Zuma Edison Roads around 4:00 p.m. when the initial reports were made.
A group of 10 hikers were separated from each other during their hiking trip. Six of the hikers ran out of water and contacted emergency personnel when they began experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion. The hikers were located on four different cliffs. According to Malibu SAR Team, the rescue process spanned over three hours.
Efforts to save the life of a hiker was not successful. According to Malibu Search and Rescue Team, an adult male died of heat stroke. His body was airlifted by authorities out of the area, while the remaining were treated by medical emergency personnel. Malibu Search and Rescue shared their condolences on social media stating, “Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the man who perished.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department asked the public on Monday to stay away from the area due to the 911 calls from the hikers. Weather in the region pointed to a temperature of 97 degrees in Malibu.
