San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on July 9, 2023, Tyler Williams and Kenny Acevedo were climbing the face of Big Falls, in the Forest Falls area, when they became stuck and were unable to climb further or climb back down. The pair were able to use their cell phones to call Sheriff’s Dispatch for help. Upon receiving the distress call, a patrol deputy and two sheriff’s helicopters were dispatched to the area.
The Sheriff’s patrol helicopter (40King2) arrived first on the scene, quickly located Williams and Acevedo, and determined a hoist rescue would be required to get the two off the top of the waterfall. The department’s rescue helicopter (40King5), equipped with a rescue hoist, arrived on scene a short time later to perform the rescue. The crew of 40King5 lowered the rescue medic onto a narrow, rocky ridge. Both Williams and Acevedo were placed into a rescue harness, hoisted up to the helicopter, and flown to a nearby landing area where ground deputies were staged.
The Sheriff’s Department urges caution and heightened awareness for those engaging in climbing activities in the Big Falls area. The rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and slippery surfaces present inherent risks that demand extreme caution.
40K2 was crewed by:
Pilot: Sargent Edward Leon
Tactical Flight Officer: Deputy Jonathan Holt
40K5 was crewed by:
Pilot: Corporal Paul Kowalski
Crew Chief: Corporal Chris Mejia
Rescue Medic: Gordon Yee
DATE/TIME: July 9, 2023, 4:17 p.m.
INCIDENT: Hoist Rescue
LOCATION: Big Falls, Forest Falls
VICTIM(S): Tyler Williams, 31-year-old Male, Resident of Riverside
Kenny Acevedo, 31-year-old Male, Resident of Highland
Refer: Corporal P. Kowalski
Station: Aviation/ Emergency Operations Division
Phone No. (909) 252-4100
Case No. 042300445
Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
