Hiker dies after falling nearly 300 feet down mountainside in Madera County

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Madera County Sheriff's Office is sending out a warning to hikers after a man fell to his death while hiking in the High Sierra.

On Sunday, the Sheriff's Office received a call of a hiker who had fallen near Iceberg Lake.

Authorities say, Terrence Casey, 53, of Glendora, was crossing a ridgeline above the lake when he lost his footing and fell about 200 to 300 feet.

Casey's hiking partner attempted to help him but also fell down the mountainside. When the hiking partner was able to reach him safely, he discovered his partner was dead.

One of the people that found the pair is a search and rescue volunteer from Ventura County who was able to help Casey's hiking partner and contact authorities.

Casey's family says that he was an experienced hiker and that they are heartbroken by this accident.

Iceberg Lake is on the east side of the Sierra crest just below Mount Ritter around 10,000 feet and still has areas with snow.

Because of the harsh weather conditions and remote location, the Madera County Sheriff's Office asked for assistance. Alpine Search and Rescue Members from the Mono County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol Helicopter were able to recover Casey's body.

The Madera County Sheriff's Office wants to remind hikers to be prepared with the proper gear for weather conditions and consider using equipment that can stop a fall when hiking in areas with steep drops.

The Sheriff's Office says regardless of your level of experience, always make a safety plan and let people know your hiking route.