3 Teen Hikers Dramatically Rescued Off Cliff In Altadena

MONTEREY PARK (CBS) — Three teen hikers were rescued in dramatic fashion Sunday when one of them got trapped on a cliff with a 100-foot drop, according to authorities.

The teens, who all hail from South Pasadena, were rescued about 12:30 p.m.

Around noon, a US Forestry Recreation Technician noticed the group was in distress.He alerted rescuers.

One of the hikers, a 19-year-old female, was noticeably agitated, according to officials.

A helicopter with harness was called in to whisk the trio to safety.

"The young woman was very scared and nearly let go of the cliff to jump into the arms of ESD Paramedic Deputy Ricky Hernandez as soon as he was close enough to reach out to her," said Sheriff's Sgt. Tom Giandomenico, in a press release.

The unidentified woman was airlifted to Farnsworth Park in Altadena.

Ground rescuers ended up bringing the other hikers -- a 17-year-old male and an 18-year-old female -- down the mountain. According to the press release, the two were trapped 40 feet above the canyon bottom. It was unsafe for the hikers to climb down and the dirt was too loose above them to climb up, reported LASD. Deputies and firefighters set up a rope system and provided helmets to the hikers.

A fourth member of the group -- an 18-yearold male -- hiked out of the canyon on his own, said officials.

Deputies recorded the rescues on videotape via helmet cams.

Department spokesperson Steve Whitmore reminded hikers to never overestimate their abilities and to remember it is winter -- to dress warmly and take provisions.