On February 12, 2025, Fernando Nieto, a 31-year-old resident of Bell Gardens, California, embarked on a personal retreat to the San Gabriel Mountains, a practice he had undertaken previously to meditate and find solace in nature. He departed from his brother Alex Aguirre's residence around 10:30 a.m., expressing his intention to spend a couple of days in the mountains. However, when Nieto failed to return as expected, his family grew concerned, recognizing that such an extended absence without communication was uncharacteristic of him.
Approximately a week later, Nieto's vehicle was discovered wrecked about 200 feet down a steep hillside below Glendora Ridge Road, roughly five miles west of Mount Baldy. The discovery occurred after a powerful winter storm had swept through the area, depositing several inches of rain and causing hazardous conditions, including rockslides that led to the closure of Glendora Ridge Road to the public. Despite the severity of the crash, investigators noted that the car's shell remained largely intact, and there was no blood found inside, suggesting that Nieto might have survived the initial accident.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, particularly the San Dimas station, has been leading the search efforts, deploying teams to comb the rugged terrain of the San Gabriel Mountains. The area presents significant challenges due to its steep inclines and the aftermath of the Bridge Fire, which left burn scars that complicate navigation and search operations. Search and rescue officials have indicated that it's possible Nieto attempted to walk down one of the roads leading into nearby communities such as San Dimas, Azusa, or Upland. His family holds onto hope, considering scenarios where he might have sustained injuries like a concussion, potentially impairing his ability to seek help or contact loved ones.
Nieto is described as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. In addition to the efforts by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, missing person reports have been filed with both the Upland Police Department and the Bell Gardens Police Department to widen the scope of the search. As days pass, the family remains steadfast in their optimism, urging anyone with information to come forward, hoping for a safe reunion with Fernando.
Last Seen: Feb 12, 2025
