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Hiker Dies at Eaton Canyon, Another Injured

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The lower fall at Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains. | Photo: Michael Huey/Flickr/Creative Commons License

[Update, 5:45 p.m.: The circumstances surrounding this incident have come to light. According to Lt. Brian Fitch of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, the two hikers tried to climb to second waterfall and decided against it mid-climb. As they made their way down, they both lost their footing and fell.]

A hiker has died and another was injured at Eaton Canyon this morning, according to public safety officials. A 911 call around 11:30 a.m. indicated two people had fallen approximately 200 feet. Upon arrival, first responders reportedly found a 17-year-old girl who died from head injuries. The other hiker was airlifted to the hospital in unknown condition, according to Inspector Quvondo Johnson of the L.A. County Fire Department.

Circumstances around the fall were not immediately clear, but the popular Altadena-area hike that features a waterfall at the edge of Angeles National Forest is one well known to search and rescue teams. So well known, in fact, that last year, officials from numerous agencies held a press conference to warn of the dangers of climbing to the elusive upper waterfall. In 2011, two people died and 60 people were rescued, 20 who were hoisted out by helicopter. At least one person died last summer.

Previously: Hiking to the Second Waterfall at Eaton Canyon? Officials Say Don't

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