East County

Search underway for missing hiker at Three Sisters Falls in East San Diego County

The trail is closed until further notice

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Authorities are searching for a 27-year-old man who went missing at Three Sisters Falls in East San Diego County on Friday night.

The Julian Sheriff's Substation received a call Friday around 5 p.m. about someone who went underwater while swimming and did not resurface, according to the San Diego Sheriff's Department.

Deputies, Cal Fire San Diego, the sheriff's helicopter and search and rescue volunteers scouted around the waterfalls for the missing person until sunset. It was too dark and dangerous to continue, police said.

A dam that feeds water to Three Sisters Falls was shut off around 8 p.m. to reduce the water flow.

The search resumed at 8 a.m. on Saturday. The sheriff's volunteer dive unit is preparing to help, police said.

The trail is closed until further notice.

Earlier this month, a woman fell off a footpath and died trying to save a teenage girl from falling over the ledge during a hike at Three Sisters Falls. She was identified as 48-year-old Sarah Louise Crocker of Ladera Ranch.

"Unfortunately, both the woman and girl fell and suffered severe injuries," Lt. Jeff Ford with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said.

The girl had serious injuries but survived.

This story will be updated with the latest details.

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