Chatsworth, CA — A heart-pounding rescue operation unfolded at Stoney Point Park on the evening of May 25, 2025, when a hiker plummeted 30 feet while rock climbing, prompting a swift response from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Air Operations. At approximately 7:09 p.m., LAFD crews, including two helicopters, descended on the rugged terrain east of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, hoisting the injured climber to safety and transporting him to a hospital in a high-stakes mission that showcased the bravery and precision of first responders.
The incident occurred in a remote section of Stoney Point Park, a popular rock-climbing destination in Chatsworth known for its challenging granite outcrops. According to LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey, the hiker, a man whose identity has not been disclosed, suffered significant injuries after losing his grip and falling from a steep rock face. Bystanders alerted authorities, and LAFD’s Fire Station 96, located nearby, coordinated the response, deploying ground crews and Air Operations for the complex rescue.
As dusk settled over the Santa Susana Pass, an LAFD rescue helicopter, identified as Fire 1, hovered low, its blades slicing through the evening air. A flight paramedic was lowered via cable and harness to the injured hiker, who was stabilized on-site before being secured in a rescue basket. The helicopter then hoisted him aboard and transported him to a regional trauma center for treatment of his injuries, the extent of which remains undisclosed. Footage captured the operation, showing the helicopter’s precision amid the park’s rocky terrain.
The LAFD’s swift deployment of two helicopters underscored the operation’s urgency, with posts on X from the department clarifying there was no wildfire in the area, dispelling rumors sparked by the low-flying aircraft. Stoney Point Park, a historic climbing site, has seen similar incidents, including falls requiring technical rescues. The LAFD emphasized the importance of safety gear and preparation for climbers, noting the park’s challenging conditions.
