Support Veda and Chris's Recovery Journey

This portion will be adjusted as it develops.

From Clara, Chris’s sister:

As of 3/18/25 both Veda and Chris have been discharged from the hospital and have been home for a few days.

Chris still needs to see several specialists for his ongoing injuries (orthopedics, hematology, wound care etc.), but is able to move himself short distances with a walker and pain medication. The toxins from muscle damage in his blood have been trending downwards at a promising rate and we’re hopeful that he’ll be making a full recovery with minimal permanent damage. Veda had more fractures, but neither required surgery for their injuries, which is really great news.

We still don’t have any solid numbers with regards to the costs, as the care is obviously still ongoing, but on the off-chance there are any funds left over after the medical bills are paid, the current plan is to donate the surplus to the organizations who collaborated to rescue them.

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Thank you to the Riverside Sheriff Association, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, and the Hoist Operations Union.

Rescue Story from the Riverside Sheriff Association:

This rescue began on Saturday, March 1, 2025 when two hikers fell approximately 800 feet down a snowy cliff from a ridge line trail located about 8900 feet above Idyllwild, California. Riverside Sheriff helicopter Rescue 9 initially responded and made several attempts to hoist the victims out, but could not due to very high winds. Cal Fire helicopter 608 also made several attempts along with a Orange County Fire Authority helicopter but all were unsuccessful due to low clouds and high winds. Volunteers from the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit made it to the male and female that first night. Several attempts were made by helicopter by Rescue 9 and 608 the second day but were unsuccessful due to mountain obscuration and high turbulence surface winds. Finally the morning of the third day after the three attempts, Rescue 9 crew was able to affect a windy hoist and got the male victim who was the most severely injured flown to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment. Cal Fire crew helicopter 608 came in and successfully hoisted the female hiker out. Many many thanks to all those ground crews that were involved as well as all the helicopter crews who were involved in this rescue.

Summary and Updates:

Veda and Chris were hiking in the Idyllwild, California, area when they experienced near-death falls. They were rescued, but had a delayed process being taken off the mountain due to extreme weather conditions. Their injuries include fractures on their upper spine and lower spine/hip, fractured sternum, broken feet, frostbite on the face, and facial fractures.

The funds from this GoFundMe will go towards recovery, physical therapy, personal therapy, and all other recovery funds necessary.