A weekend mountain bike ride through Irvine's Quail Hill Trailhead turned fatal for a 25-year-old Costa Mesa man and Eagle Scout, Julian Hernandez, after he was bitten by a rattlesnake on February 1. He was rushed to the hospital, placed in intensive care, slipped into a coma, and died last Wednesday. His family says it has launched a fundraiser and is seeking an independent autopsy as it looks for answers about how he was treated.
What happened on the trail
According to NBC Los Angeles, Hernandez was mountain biking the Quail Hill loop when a rattlesnake struck. He reportedly tried to pedal his way out for help before the venom overwhelmed him. The Orange County Fire Authority responded to a medical emergency at the trailhead, and he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remained in the ICU. Troop leaders identified Hernandez as an Eagle Scout and said he was active in the local scouting community.
Family seeks answers, raises funds
Officials initially listed the cause as an animal bite, stating that "the official cause of death was noted as a possible animal bite," and the family has pushed back, telling local media they want more clarity on what happened. As reported by KCAL/CBS Los Angeles, Hernandez's family says it has initiated a third-party autopsy. A GoFundMe organized by his brother to cover hospital and memorial costs, and to support the family's search for answers, has raised more than $22,000 so far. (GoFundMe.)
Why bites can be deadly, and what doctors warn
Venomous snakebites are uncommon but can cause rapid and severe complications. Clinical literature estimates roughly 7,000 to 8,000 venomous snakebites in the United States each year, with only a handful of deaths. Medical guidance notes that antivenom is the primary treatment, and earlier administration lowers the risk of organ failure and other serious outcomes, according to clinical resources. "It’s very important to get to the emergency room as soon as possible," Dr. Mona Sedgehian of Hoag Hospital in Irvine, told KCAL/CBS Los Angeles.
Trail safety and what to do if you are bitten
Local officials and public health experts remind hikers and bikers to stay on maintained paths, watch where they place their hands and feet, and keep pets leashed as temperatures rise and snake activity increases. If bitten, public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises not to apply a tourniquet or ice and not to cut or suck the wound. Instead, keep the affected limb at or below heart level and seek emergency care immediately. For now, Hernandez's troop and the Irvine outdoor community are mourning a young man many described as a leader and a helper.
