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Experienced hiker, popularly known as the ‘Hiking Queen’ fell to her death in a tragic accident outside downtown LA. On Sunday, Crystal Paula Gonzalez was trying to hike up Mt. Baldy. The mother of four slipped on the ice and fell around 700ft. Despite getting immediate medical attention, the hiker succumbed to her injuries.

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The 56-year-old experienced hiker used to document her hikes and share them with her followers on her social media platforms. Hours before her death, she had posted her final video before starting the deadly hike.

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The “Hiking Queen” falls to her death

On Sunday, 8 January, before the break of dawn, Crystal Paula Gonzalez started to hike up the 10,000 ft high, Mt. Baldy. The last video posted by Gonzalez on Facebook shows the dangerous weather conditions when she started her hike. As per the reports, once the hiker had deemed the conditions unsafe to proceed further, she turned back to return to safety.

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But, on her way back, she slipped on the ice and slid down approximately 700 ft. Fellow hikers and medical staff provided immediate help to the fallen hiker. Unfortunately, not much could be done due to the weather conditions. “Due to the slope angle and the ice it makes it too dangerous to hike so we had to lower her down by creating a rope system,” eyewitness Eric Rose told CBS News. Crystal Paula Gonzalez passed away on the spot. The family and friends of the experienced hiker grieve her untimely demise.

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Read More: “I Nearly Died”: Oscar-Winning Actor Jared Leto Unearthed the Horrors of His Rock Climbing Experience With Alex Honnold in 2020.

Loved ones mourn the loss of Crystal Paula Gonzalez

Gonzalez had a penchant for thrill and adventure. Remembering their mother, Gonzalez’s daughters released a statement saying, “Our mother was a kind, loving, lively soul. She had a thirst for adventure that she instilled in all of us during our childhood. She inspired those that met her on the trails. She loved life and life loved her back.”

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This is the second death on the said route in the last two weeks. As per the statement by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, 43-year-old Jarret Choi lost his life on 28 December 2022 on the same track.

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As the Gonzalez family mourns their loss, they are raising money for her funeral. Their community has come forward to extend their support to the family.

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Aaradhana Singh

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Aaradhana Singh is a sports writer at EssentiallySports, who specializes in American sports. With a background in Journalism and Mass Communication, Aaradhana has honed her craft through years of experience working as an editor and writer for various reputable publications before joining the esteemed team at EssentiallySports. As a sports enthusiast at heart, Aaradhana's passion for the industry is evident in her work. Having participated in provincial basketball and athletic tournaments, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, drawing from her personal experience as an athlete. One of Aaradhana's areas of expertise is gymnastics, and she has closely followed the career of superstar Simone Biles. Her in-depth coverage and behind-the-scenes glimpses into Biles' life have garnered praise from fans and readers alike. A firm believer in the power of hard work and perseverance, Aaradhana draws inspiration from unexpected victories, such as Justin Gatlin's historic win against Bolt. She believes that with determination and resilience, one can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness.

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Anupama Ghosh

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