LA VERNE — A 33-year-old mother was being mourned Monday after she fell into the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, was swept away and died while hiking in the Angeles National Forest.

Jaqueline Aguilar De Lao, 33, was killed at about 8 a.m. Sunday while hiking the Bridge to Nowhere Trail. She was identified Monday by the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office.

According to a social media post by the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team, its members were at the trailhead Sunday morning sharing hiking safety tips when “a frantic runner came charging up the trail yelling for help.”

“A young mother had fallen in at the second river crossing and was swept away by the raging current,” according to the rescue team.

“We immediately activated emergency response. Resources from across the region converged quickly and heroically: Los Angeles County Fire – Air Operations, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Aero Bureau Air 5, San Dimas Sheriff’s Station, and many others,” the statement continued. “After a grueling search, the victim was located. Sadly, she was deceased, and the effort turned to a recovery operation.”

The team said the death is “a devastating reminder of how dangerous the East Fork and Bridge to Nowhere Trail can be right now, especially with swift, high water from recent conditions.

“Multiple crossings are required, and even experienced hikers can be caught off guard,” the team warned.

Hikers were advised to stay off the East Fork and Bridge to Nowhere Trail until water levels drop significantly and conditions are safer.

“Turn around if the water looks too fast or deep,” the team advised, adding that hikers should always check conditions and be prepared before heading into the mountains and know when to turn back. “Your life (and your loved ones’ hearts) are worth more than any hike.”

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