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Authorities are searching for a 59-year-old woman who was swept away by a strong river current in the Angeles National Forest over the weekend.
The woman, whose name was not released, was hiking with friends and was attempting to cross the San Gabriel River along the Heaton Flats Trail, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
She lost her footing and was swept downstream by the swift current.
Around 60 search personnel, including mountain rescue teams, U.S. Forest Service employees and paramedics have been searching for the woman for the past two days with no luck, officials said. Helicopters and drones have also been deployed.
“In some instances, the Search and Rescue personnel have been airlifted to certain locations to search due to the treacherous terrain and strong river currents,” the Sheriff’s Department said.
Authorities urge hikers to use caution when crossing streams, rivers or creeks, even in calmer sections, to avoid water that is higher than your knees, and to test the stability of rocks or logs before deciding to cross.