Hiker, 50, Falls Down Bank, Dies
CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST — A hiker died Saturday when he slipped off a trail in a remote section of the Cleveland National Forest and fell down a 600-foot embankment, officials said.
The victim was identified as Thomas Pewdo, 50, of Lake Forest, Orange County Sheriff’s Lt. Lynn Nehring said.
The accident occurred in the midafternoon about five miles from Modjeska Canyon, along the Santiago Truck Trail, Nehring said.
Rescuers from the Orange County Fire Authority initially responded to the scene, searching for the man by helicopter. Rescuers then rappelled down the embankment to check on Pewdo’s condition, Nehring said.
Once it was determined that Pewdo was dead, authorities attempted to recover the body. They eventually enlisted the aid of a U.S. Marine Corps search and rescue helicopter.
Authorities were unable to retrieve the body before dark, and plan to resume efforts Sunday.
Pewdo was hiking with his son-in-law, identified as Bill Lawson, and his brother, Steve Lawson.
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