Hiker Killed by Falling Boulder at Ecological Preserve

Authorities announced Tuesday that a 23-year-old hiker died near the Ecological Preserve in Temecula.

The hiker—who was with four others—was killed Monday by a falling boulder, according to authorities who responded to the emergency call around 3:36 p.m.

The hiker was identified as Nicholas Lovato from Menifee.

Authorities said the five men hiked along the Santa Margarita River until they became fatigued and decided to rest next to a body of water. A few of the hikers began to climb a 200 foot sheer-faced rock cliff adjacent to the body of water.

Three of the hikers were seated on a large rock outcropping approximately 30 feet above the body of water when they heard the rock begin to crack. The rock gave way sending the victim to the ground below. The boulder then broke free and subsequently fell and struck Lovato, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

Due to the remote location and treacherous terrain, the Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Bureau and the Coroner's Bureau utilized a Sheriff's helicopter in order to recover the victim's remains, according to authorities.

No rescue personnel were injured during the incident.