Pacific Crest Trail hiker falls to his death in San Jacinto Mountains

Mount San Jacinto in Southern California seen from the north (Wikimedia)

A hiker fell to his death on the icy Pacific Crest Trail in the San Jacinto Mountains on Friday.

A rescue team responded at about 9:38 am, according to Cal Fire. A man had fallen into a gorge, about 600 feet off the trail in the area of Apple Canyon Road and Bonita Vista Road, reports the Press Enterprise.  The area still has ice and snow according to officials.

A helicopter spotted the hiker and his three companions.

After initially being forced to land because of poor weather, the helicopter was eventually able to lower a rescue crew who then hiked to the victim. The rescuers found the victim dead.