Mt. Shasta, CA – A 45-year-old hiker from Argentina, Matias Augusto Travizano, tragically died after falling approximately 2,000 feet during a descent from Mt. Shasta earlier this month, according to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
Incident Details
Travizano had reached the summit of Mt. Shasta on the morning of September 12 via the Clear Creek Route, considered one of the mountain’s safer trails. However, during the descent, he and another climber who had summited around the same time lost their bearings and wandered off the trail, eventually becoming stranded on an ice sheet at the northern tip of Wintun Glacier, at an elevation of approximately 13,500 feet.
Officials said the men attempted to glissade down to a lower section of the mountain to rejoin the trail. During this controlled slide, Travizano lost control, collided with a boulder 300 feet below, and was knocked unconscious.
The second hiker tried to assist Travizano but, while the Argentinian regained consciousness, a slip caused him to slide down the remainder of the glacier, falling out of sight.
Rescue Efforts
A third hiker, positioned at a safer location, called 911, prompting a response from SCSO Search and Rescue and U.S. Forest Service climbing rangers at the Clear Creek Trailhead just before 2:30 p.m.
The rescue team requested air support from the California Highway Patrol’s Northern Air Operations, who spent hours searching. Tragically, Travizano was located deceased at 10,200 feet, near the base of Wintun Glacier.
Safety Concerns and Expert Advice
SCSO spokesperson Sage Milestone told the Los Angeles Times: “It’s hard to regain the trail coming back down and a lot of people wander off into more dangerous drainages. If you are not familiar with the terrain, and if you have poor visibility, it’s easy to get lost.”
This incident highlights the dangers of mountain hiking, even on supposedly safer routes, especially in conditions with poor visibility or unfamiliar terrain.
Mt. Shasta Rescue Statistics
So far this year, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has conducted 15 rescue missions on Mt. Shasta, with 9 requiring air support from CHP Northern Air Operations, and 6 more requiring ground search and rescue teams. Authorities continue to urge climbers to prepare carefully, carry proper equipment, and know the terrain before attempting challenging hikes.
Have you hiked Mt. Shasta or other challenging mountains in Northern California? Share your experiences, safety tips, or observations in the comments below.
