Public Safety · Mono County
Search-and-rescue officials issued a warning that serious mountain incidents can happen to anyone following four separate deaths in the Eastern Sierra during 2026. The fatalities included Brian Seibert, who fell from Mount Morgan in Mono County on Oct. 4; Kalem Peter Kazarian, found deceased near Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Park on Oct. 4; and Jacob Whisenant, who died in a climbing accident in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness on Aug. 2. A fourth incident involved a paraglider who crashed into Burrough Mountain in Fresno County on May 31. Rescuers emphasized that factors such as exposed descents, solo travel at altitude, and late starts contributed to these tragedies.
Public Safety
Four separate mountain incidents across California's Eastern Sierra region during 2026 resulted in four deaths spanning Mono, Tulare and Fresno counties. The incidents included a fatal fall on Mount Morgan near Bishop on Oct. 4-6, a death on Mount Whitney found Oct. 4, a climbing accident in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness on Aug. 2, and a paragliding crash on Burrough Mountain in eastern Fresno County on May 31. Multi-agency search-and-rescue operations involving Mono County Sheriff SAR, Inyo County SAR, Cal Fire, CHP helicopters and California National Guard units responded to the incidents, some requiring multiple days in technical terrain. Rescuers emphasized that serious incidents in the mountains can happen to anyone.
Public Safety · Mammoth Lakes, CA
The Mammoth Community Water District completed installation of two new fire hydrants and a tanker fire truck filling station over the past two summers to enhance wildfire-suppression water access. The hydrants are located in Old Mammoth near the Valentine Reserve and along the Mammoth Scenic Loop, while the filling station sits near the Lake Mary Water Treatment Facility in the Lakes Basin. MCWD coordinated with the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, and the U.S. Forest Service on the projects. The District says it is working with community stakeholders to identify locations for additional hydrants.
Community brief · Mammoth Lakes, CA
MHS Girls Volleyball will host a playoff game at MHS Gym on Tuesday, October 27 at 6:00 PM. The opponent has not yet been determined. Tickets must be purchased through GoFan, and organizers say more details are coming soon.
