Search Continues On Mount Baldy For Missing Hiker

MT. BALDY, CA — An Orange County man who insisted on continuing the climb of Mount Baldy after his friends turned back has been missing since Sunday morning, officials say.

It has been 48 hours since the search for Sreenivas "Sree" Mokkapati began. The 52-year-old Irvine man became separated from three of his hiking friends during his trip.

Mokkapati and his group started hiking from the Village at Bear Flats to the Mt. Baldy Summit on Sunday morning, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

"At some point, Mokkapati became separated from the group," the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department said.

The sheriff's search and rescue teams began a coordinated search, with air support, that continued Sunday night and Monday. Volunteer search and rescue teams are also deployed on the mountain.

Mokkapati was last seen wearing a gray "puffy" jacket and gray pants.

West Valley Search And Rescue reminded hikers who feel the lure of the snow and ice to stay off the mountain if you are not experienced in dealing with crampons, snowshoes, ice axes, and other winter hiking gear.

A spokesperson added an ominous message for all who would heed it, "We will always be there when needed but, please, do your best not to need us."

The San Bernardino County Sheriff scheduled a briefing for later in the day, and Patch will update this report at that time.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts was urged to contact the Fontana Sheriff's Station at 909-453-5392, or 909-677-9436. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.

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