Mountain Biker Dies After Falling From Steep Cliff in Downieville
A mountain biker died after falling from a steep cliff on a trail in Downieville, according to the Sierra County Sheriff.
Alejandro Lugo was visiting from Florida when he decided to ride one of the premier mountain biking areas in the country in Downieville. The Sheriff’s office was alerted that Lugo was seen over the hillside on the Pauley Creek/Butcher Ranch Mountain Bike Trail and attempted to rescue him. Following an extensive effort including the use of a helicopter, Lugo had been found to have died from his injuries during the fall.
Downieville is a popular destination for mountain bikers. The Downieville Downhill, a 17-mile trail that traverses down 5,000 feet in the remote wilderness just south of the Plumas National Forest ranked as the most popular trail in California. The Pauley Creek/Butcher Ranch Mountain Bike Trail is a legitimate expert trail.
Read the full press release from the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office:
On November 1, 2020, at approximately 3:45 pm, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a mountain biker over the hillside on the Pauley Creek/Butcher Ranch Mountain Bike Trail East of Downieville, California. The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office, along with Downieville and Sierra City Fire Departments, responded to the remote mountainous trail and attempted to locate the mountain biker. The California Highway Patrol helicopter was requested and responded to assist in the search. Due to the area’s remote and steepness, searchers could not reach the biker, and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Ropes and Motorcycle Teams responded to assist. At approximately 3:00am, the missing mountain biker was located, but due to the steep mountain cliffs, rescuers could not reach him. Despite their best efforts, Nevada County Search and Rescue had to suspend the rescue for the night.
At first light, a Blackhawk rescue helicopter from the Naval Station Fallon responded to assist. In addition to the rescue helicopter, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office Ropes Team responded to assist in reaching the subject. At approximately 9:30am, team members with the rescue helicopter were able to reach the subject and hoist him into the helicopter. Unfortunately, Alejandro Lugo of Florida had succumbed to his injuries.
The Sierra County Sheriff’a Office would like to thank all of the agencies involved with the search and our sincere condolences to Mr. Lugo’s family and friends.
