Fatal Hiking Accident Warning
A young mother was swept away and killed in the San Gabriel River while hiking the popular Bridge to Nowhere trail in Southern California. Authorities are warning hikers about dangerous river conditions, especially during periods of high water or after storms, emphasizing the need to check trail advisories before setting out.
The 33-year-old mother who tragically lost her life on the Bridge to Nowhere trail has been identified as Jaqueline Aguilar De Lao of Los Angeles. She was swept away in the East Fork of the San Gabriel River on the morning of Sunday, March 2, 2026, while hiking with her family. The incident happened at the trail's second river crossing. Coincidentally, members of the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team were at the trailhead at the time of the accident, warning other hikers about the dangerous river conditions. A runner frantically alerted the team that a woman had been carried away by the current. Despite a multi-agency search, Aguilar De Lao was found deceased. The "Bridge to Nowhere" is an arch bridge built in 1936 for a road that was never completed. A massive flood in 1938 washed away the road, leaving the bridge isolated in the San Gabriel Mountains. The 10-mile round-trip hike to the bridge involves numerous crossings of the San Gabriel River, which can be extremely hazardous, especially in winter and spring due to rain and snowmelt. This is not the first fatality of its kind on this trail; a 59-year-old woman was also swept away and died in the river in March of 2024. The area's dangers are compounded by recent wildfires, such as the 2024 Bridge Fire which burned over 56,000 acres. The subsequent reopening of the trail last summer was met with surprise by some officials due to the heightened risk of flooding and debris flows in the burn-scarred landscape. Following the latest tragedy, rescue officials have strongly urged the public to avoid the East Fork and the Bridge to Nowhere trail until water levels recede significantly. They stress that the swift, high water can easily overpower even experienced hikers. The San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team's advice is to turn back if the river looks too deep or fast, stating, "Your life (and your loved ones' hearts) are worth more than any hike."
