California Man Dies After Rattlesnake Bite During Bike Ride

Julian Hernandez, 25, succumbed to his injuries after being bitten on a trail in Irvine.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:22pm

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A 25-year-old man from Costa Mesa, California has died after being bitten by a rattlesnake while mountain biking at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine. Julian Hernandez was transported to the hospital but fell into a coma and passed away over a month later on March 4.

Why it matters

Rattlesnake bites, while relatively rare, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. This tragic incident highlights the dangers outdoor enthusiasts face when encountering wildlife, especially in popular recreation areas like the Quail Hill trails.

The details

Hernandez was biking at the Quail Hill Trailhead around 11 a.m. on February 1 when he was bitten by the rattlesnake. Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital, but he fell into a coma and remained in the intensive care unit until his death over a month later on March 4.

  • Hernandez was bitten by the rattlesnake on February 1, 2026.
  • He passed away on March 4, 2026.

The players

Julian Hernandez

A 25-year-old man from Costa Mesa, California who died after being bitten by a rattlesnake while mountain biking.

Dr. William Woo

A physician with Kaiser Permanente who explained the dangers and proper treatment of rattlesnake bites.

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What they’re saying

“A snake bite with venom from a rattlesnake causes significant stress on the body. It can cause organ shutdown. I mean, these things can be really severe. And we know that the effective treatment is antivenom in these cases, and the sooner we can administer, the better off the patients are. But it can cause a whole host of problems to the body.”

— Dr. William Woo, Physician, Kaiser Permanente (KTLA)

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the incident and reminding outdoor enthusiasts to be cautious when using trails in areas known to have rattlesnake populations.

The takeaway

This tragic death serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in outdoor activities, even in popular recreation areas. It underscores the importance of being prepared, staying alert, and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten by a venomous snake.