Local hikers react to the death of a Carmel Valley hiker

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV)- Last Friday, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office confirmed that 30-year-old Caroline Meister was found dead at the base of a waterfall near the "Cut Off," trail.

Local hikers taking extra precautions after an experienced hiker was found dead after being reported missing for almost a week in the Carmel Valley area.

Martin Hernandez has been hiking in the Central Coast and in the Bay Area for over a decade.

Hernandez said when he heard the news of the death of Meister last week in Carmel Valley, it hit close to home.

"I feel bad, it's a really sad story." said Hernandez.

The Monterey County Sheriffs Office said Caroline's injuries were consistent with someone falling off a cliff.

Hernandez said there are ways to protect yourself from losing your balance while on a steep and narrow trail.

"Hiking sticks are always good to keep balance and to avoid falling down," said Hernandez. "And I always carry a First Aid kit in my backpack and number three if you go by yourself, always carry a walkie talkie."

Hernandez said two-way radios are important for hikers going to places where cell service is limited.

If an emergency happens, they need to dial number 16 to get help.

Hernandez also said it's also important for hikers to do their research before going on a hike.

"There's an app called All trails," said Hernandez. "I go there but I also go to google or google maps and I do research, you type the name of the trail and check the reviews, comments, and check for the feedback that sometimes people leave on these apps and websites."

Hernandez said it's always better to hike with a group of friends, just in case an emergency were to happen.

Monterey County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue team has had 14 missions so far this year.
Most of the rescues are in Big Sur, Ventana Wilderness and the Los Padres National Forest.

Deputies say of those 14 missions, six have been rescues, five of which had injuries consisting of broken bones and two of those were in critical condition when contacted by the search and rescue team.

Monterey County Sheriffs Office said out of those 14 missions, 3 were recovery missions, involving recovery of human remains.