Man who died after falling in Three Rivers ravine identified, Tulare officials say
The 18-year-old man who died Saturday after falling 50 feet down a ravine in Three Rivers has been identified, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday.
Brandon Mendez of Exeter was hiking in the area with friends Friday when the accident happened. The sheriff’s search and rescue team, with assistance from a California Highway Patrol helicopter, were involved in the initial attempt to rescue Mendez.
Late Friday night, rescuers got help from Lemoore Naval Air Station crews who were able to hoist him out of the ravine shortly after midnight. He was flown to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, where he died from his injuries at about 1:45 a.m. Saturday.
A GoFundMe page was started to help cover funeral expenses. As of late Sunday morning, more than 160 had donated and the account had reached more than half its goal of $15,000.
Mendez was an Exeter High School senior who was graduating this year. A childhood friend of his said she was still trying to process his death.
“He was such a good friend,” said Brooklyn Micari, 17. “He always made time for everybody. He was always there for you. He was a super good person and I am going to miss talking with him.”
This story was originally published May 17, 2020 at 11:42 AM.
