Volunteer killed while searching Mt. Baldy for missing hiker mourned by relatives
Relatives mourning the loss of a teacher and volunteer rescue worker who died while searching for a missing Irvine man on Mt. Baldy over the weekend remembered him as an “exceptional human,” and a role model in a statement issued Sunday, Dec. 15.
Tim Staples, 32, was one of 126 people who were out searching Saturday, Dec. 14, in rugged, snow-covered terrain for Sreenivas Mokkapati, a hiker from Irvine who had been missing for six days. The nine-year veteran of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department volunteer search-and-rescue team became separated from his partner and was later pronounced dead after apparently falling down an ice chute.
We ask that you respect the privacy of the Staples and Amrhein family during this devastating time. When the time is right the family will reach out to the media.” pic.twitter.com/WlOIbfjm5l
— San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) December 15, 2019
Staples gave his life serving others, members of his family said in their statement. Apart from his volunteer work, he served as a social science and English instructor for his Alma mater, Damien High, a Catholic all-boys school in La Verne. He had also coached track and field.
“He was a brother, uncle, nephew and friend to so many,” Staples’ relatives said in their statement. “During his teaching career, he gained the respect and love of his students as he was an exceptional role model who cared deeply for them.”
Loved ones went on to say that his death “left a hole in our heart that may never be filled.”
He had recently married, and was survived by his wife, Katie Amrhein, as well as his parents, Dan and Barbara Staples. The teacher and volunteer rescuer was honored at a vigil hosted at Damien High on Sunday evening, officials said.
Friends & family of Sree Mokkapati are holding a vigil to support the family of @WestValleySAR member, Tim Staples & SAR personnel who assisted in the search for Sree. The vigil will begin at 4:30 PM & will be held @ Damien High School, located at 2280 Damien Ave, Laverne
— Eric Vetere (@SBSOESevetere) December 15, 2019
Meanwhile search operations to find Mokkapoti were suspended Saturday and subject to reevaluation in the wake of Staples’ death, sheriff’s officials said.
The community is invited to a prayer service set for Monday at 3:30 p.m. for Staples at Damien’s Event Center, the school said on its website. The school is at 2280 Damien Ave. in La Verne.