January 14, 2023: A mother of four, a very experienced hiker, and a Hiking Queen, died after sliding more than 500 feet down Mount Baldy on Sunday.
According to local news, Crystal Paula Gonzalez referred to as the “Hiking Queen” by her friends and family died from her injuries Sunday after toppling more than 500 feet on Mount Baldy in northern Los Angeles County.
documented her most recent hike up the 10,000-foot mountain on Facebook. She detailed the dangerous conditions as an uncontrollable column of ice rolled downhill right past her. It was so unsafe Gonzalez decided to turn back.
However, at some point out, she slipped and fell 500 to 700 feet down the notoriously difficult mountain terrain and hit a tree, authorities said.
She’s known in the community for her fearless hikes and a daily dose of inspiration.
