Hiker Sent a Final Text Before Fatal Fall From 13,000-Foot California Mountain — His Body Was Found Days Later

A 53-year-old hiker sent what would become his final message while descending a California mountain. Days later, rescuers found his body in steep, rugged terrain after an extensive search.

Brian Seibert had attempted to climb Mount Morgan in California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada range on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The mountain rises more than 13,000 feet above sea level, with challenging ridges, rocky slopes and steep gullies.

According to the Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team, Seibert sent a message around 7 p.m. indicating that he was heading back from the climb. When he failed to return to his vehicle, authorities were notified the following day.

An extensive search across dangerous terrain

Rescuers launched an extensive operation involving helicopters, search dogs, ground teams and cellphone data analysis. Teams examined photographs and topographic information to determine where Seibert might have traveled.

A search team eventually confirmed that he had reached the summit by finding his name in the mountain’s trail register.

But finding his likely descent route proved difficult. The steep terrain and deep gullies made the search particularly challenging.

On Tuesday, October 6, an aircraft spotted an unusual object near the bottom of Grand Central Couloir, a prominent gully on the mountain’s eastern side. Searchers investigated and found Seibert.

Authorities determined that he had suffered what they described as an “unsurvivable fall” from a cliff.

Recovery took another day

Because the terrain was extremely difficult to navigate safely, rescuers could not complete the recovery that evening. Teams prepared the site and returned the following morning.

Seibert’s body was recovered early Wednesday, October 7, with assistance from a Yosemite search-and-rescue helicopter crew.

The rescue team reported that the operation involved more than 300 volunteer hours, with support from multiple local and state agencies.

A community remembers an experienced hiker

The Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team expressed condolences to Seibert’s family, friends and the local community.

His death is a sobering reminder that even experienced hikers can encounter dangerous conditions in remote mountain environments. Steep drop-offs, loose rock and difficult terrain can make a descent as hazardous as the climb itself.

For those who knew Seibert, the loss is deeply painful. For the rescuers who searched the mountain, the mission was a demanding effort to bring him home.

Sources:

New York Post

PEOPLE

Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue