18-Year-Old Dies After Jumping into Water at Hermit Falls

Two people suffered minor injuries trying to save him.

An 18-year-old man died at Hermit Falls near Sierra Madre Wednesday morning after trying to jump into water along the trail of the recreational area, officials said.

Officials responded to call about a missing hiker shortly after 8 a.m. at the 2200 block of Santa Anita Canyon Road, according to the the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Upon arrival, they found two people who were hurt after climbing down a cliff to try to rescue a man who jumped into the water, officials said.

The two people were transported to a hospital with minor injuries, but the man who jumped died at the scene.

The LA County coroner identified him as 18-year-old Jesse Yuth.

Cliff jumping is a coming topic among fellow hikers who visited the trail. Michelle Avidisyan wrote on alltrails.com, "There have been so many injuries reported from people who go cliff diving here... probably not such a good idea." 

Lauren Sugay wrote on the same message board,"IF YOU PLAN ON JUMPING THE 50FT, it's not too bad just make sure you pencil dive. The water was lower because of the drought and dryness but eveyone in my group who jumped made it out alive. It's scary, but doing it is a good experience; you feel so victorious!"

A 19-year-old college student died in 2013 after cliff-jumping near the same area. 

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