Hiking, Rappelling Guide Dies near 'Suicide Rock' in Idyllwild

A Chino woman died after suffering major injuries in a rappelling accident Tuesday at a popular rock climbing spot in Idyllwild, about 50 miles east of Murrieta.

Karen Gose, 27, was reached by rescue crews at about 2 p.m. Tuesday in an area of Mt. San Jacinto State Park known as Suicide Rock, but succumbed to her injuries, according to reports from multiple agencies.

Reports of the downed hiker first came in around 12:45 p.m., Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. John Morin said in a news release.

"Deputies and members of the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit responded to assist California Department of Forestry at Fern Valley Road in Idyllwild, regarding (a)...volunteer hiking guide who fell approximately 30-40 feet," Morin said.

"A California Department of Forestry's helicopter assisted in locating and transporting the victim to the Keenwild Helitack where she was then transferred to an awaiting Mercy Air Ambulance," the sergeant said.

"However, while en route to Desert Regional Hospital [in Palm Springs], the victim succumbed to her injuries," Morin said.

The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Office later identified the victim as Gose, stating she "fell while descending down rock face during rock climbing and rappelling demonstration."

Morin asked anyone with information about the incident to call the Hemet Sheriff Station at 951-791-3400.