Mount Rubidoux Trails Suicide – Death: Riverside Police Department activity ongoing in California, Obituary
UPDATE: A tragic incident occurred on Mount Rubidoux in Riverside on Tuesday morning, January 16th, 2024. According to reports, an individual passed away from self-inflicted gunshot wounds near the cross at the mountain’s summit.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., the man’s girlfriend witnessed the incident and promptly contacted the police, as confirmed by Officer Ryan Railsback, a spokesperson for the department. Additional individuals also called 911. As part of the investigation, a police helicopter team used a loudspeaker to instruct people to evacuate the mountain.
Mount Rubidoux Incident – Authorities and firefighter/paramedic teams are currently investigating a distressing incident on Mount Rubidoux involving a suspected self-harm situation. Positioned near the summit, they aim to ensure the safety of those involved. As a precaution, mountain trails are temporarily closed to facilitate emergency access.
“Very unfortunate. Thoughts go out to first responders who witness and handle such distressing events daily. Also, thoughts are with the family who will be receiving difficult news today.”
The community is urged to cooperate, and the closure is a precautionary measure to support effective emergency response and ensure public safety during this challenging situation. Please avoid this area until all emergency personnel have cleared the mountain.
About Mount Rubidoux
Mount Rubidoux is a mountain just west of downtown in the city of Riverside, California, United States, that has been designated a city park and landmark. The mountain was once a popular Southern California tourist destination and is still the site of the oldest outdoor non-denominational Easter Sunrise service in the United States.
Many historic markers and memorials have been placed on the mountain, the most prominent being the cross at the summit dedicated to Father Junípero Serra. A majority of Mt. Rubidoux is owned by the City of Riverside, while 0.43 acres at the peak is owned by Rivers & Lands Conservancy after the cross attracted a potential lawsuit, prompting the city to sell it at auction to a private organization.
The Santa Ana River flows at the base of the mountain, marking the boundary between the city of Riverside and the Rubidoux neighborhood of the City of Jurupa Valley. The mountain was named for Louis Rubidoux, who established Rancho Rubidoux in 1847 after purchasing a portion of the Rancho Jurupa from Benjamin Davis Wilson, the second elected mayor of Los Angeles.