Local hiker found deceased at Horseshoe Lake

On the morning of Saturday, Aug. 21, Real Balthazar, 78, of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., was found deceased on the hiking trail that circles around Horseshoe Lake just above Mammoth Lakes. A hiker walking the trail came across Mr. Balthazar’s body lying in the middle of the trail. The hiker tried to communicate with Mr. Balthazar in an attempt to ascertain his condition, but when no verbal response was received, the hiker quickly returned to his vehicle and promptly called 911. He also informed area U.S. Forest Service personnel about the incident. Forest Service rangers along with a Mono County Sheriff’s Department Deputy responded to Mr. Balthazar’s location, where he was pronounced deceased. The cause of death is classified as natural, pending autopsy results. –MCSD Press Release