Goletan Dies in Los Padres National Forest

A Goleta man-23-year-old Jackson Still-died while hiking in the Los Padres National Forest early on Sunday, June 8. The two men were in the vicinity of Hurricane Deck, a remote area approximately 15 miles from the nearest campground. According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, Still felt faint, and his friend went to get help. The friend, whose name is not known to authorities, made it to Nira Campground, where he contacted the Sheriff’s Department, which launched a Search and Rescue helicopter in a joint operation with County Fire. “When our helicopter spotted him at sunrise, he was found to be deceased,” said Sergeant Alex Tipolt, the Sheriff’s Department PIO. “His friend said he began experiencing some medical issues consistent with heat stroke or dehydration, which is very common for visitors to that area.” The exact cause of death is not yet known.