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Rescue of Fallen Hikers
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, May 9th, 2011
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On May 5th, 2011, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office were notified of two injured fall victims in the area of Hwy 33 and the Potrero John Trail. Initial reports indicated that one of the victims was not breathing. This area is located approximately 20 miles north of Ojai in the Los Padres National Forest and is a popular hiking and climbing destination. The Sheriff’s Office helicopter responded with Fire and Sheriff rescue personnel on board. As the helicopter arrived on scene, Tyler Dobbs was spotted being attended to at the trailhead by the Highway Patrol and several bystanders. The group directed the helicopter to a location approximately 1/8 mile up the canyon where the helicopter crew observed a person lying in the rocks next to a cliff face. The helicopter medic was hoisted from the helicopter to render aid but the victim’s injuries were fatal. This person was identified as Jasper Bowen. The helicopter crew then flew back to the trailhead and with the assistance of the Fire Department and Lifeline medical personnel treated Dobbs at the scene. He was then airlifted to Ventura County Medical Trauma Center. In examining the scene and speaking to Dobbs it was determined that the two friends had been camping in the area when they decided to explore the canyon. They both began scaling a section of the canyon wall when Dobbs believed it was becoming too dangerous to continue without proper climbing gear. Bowen continued to climb above Dobbs approximately 30 feet when he slipped and fell. Dobbs attempted to stop Bowen’s fall by stepping in front of him but Bowen’s momentum knocked Dobbs off of the cliff face and they both fell approximately 50 feet to the rocks below. After being knocked unconscious, Dobbs awoke to find his friend unresponsive next to him in the remote canyon. After rendering aid to Bowen, Dobbs staggered to the campsite to retrieve his car keys. Dobbs, suffering from multiple injuries, then hiked back to the roadway where several passing motorists stopped and helped him. One of these motorists continued down Hwy. 33 until he was able to obtain cell service and placed an emergency call to the authorities. Location: Potrero John Trail, Los Padres National Forest – Ojai, CA |
