March 29, 2023 - San Bernardino County Sheriff Department officials report that on Sunday, March 26, 2023, deputies from the Fontana Sheriff's Station received a 911 call from Matthew Chmielsewski, who became lost while skiing at Mt. Baldy. Chmielsewski reported he was not injured and was stranded on the back side of Mt. Baldy, near the 6,000-foot elevation level. This remote area was not accessible by ground units and Fontana deputies requested the assistance of Sheriff’s Aviation.

The crew of Sheriff's Air Rescue 306 responded to the area and located Chmielsewski at the provided GPS coordinates. Due to heavy snowpack in the area, the rescue crew determined a hoist rescue would be necessary. Sheriff’s Air Medic Gordon Yee was hoisted approximately 190-feet down to Chmielsewski, who confirmed he was not injured. Chmielsewski was secured in a rescue harness and hoisted back up to the helicopter followed by Yee.

Chmielsewski was flown to Fontana deputies at the Lytle Creek Ranger Station. The Sheriff’s Department would like to remind hikers and skiers to be prepared with proper clothing and equipment when participating in cold weather activities. 

Refer: Corporal Paul Kowalski or Deputy Cody Manning

Station: Emergency Operations Division, Aviation Unit

Phone No. (909) 252-4100

Case No. 032300791

DATE/TIME: March 26, 2023 at 12:55 pm

INCIDENT: Hoist Rescue

LOCATION: Mt. Baldy

SUSPECT(S): N/A

VICTIM(S): Matthew Chmielsewski, 27-years-old, Resident of Los Angeles

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff Department