Orange County Man Dies After Venomous Rattlesnake Bite

Family disputes coroner's findings, initiates independent autopsy

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:19am

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A 25-year-old Costa Mesa resident named Julian Hernandez died after being bitten by a rattlesnake while mountain biking at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine, California. The coroner determined the cause of death was an animal bite, but Hernandez's family has disputed the findings and initiated an independent third-party autopsy.

Why it matters

Rattlesnake bites, while relatively rare, can be fatal if not treated promptly. This incident highlights the importance of snake safety awareness, especially as warmer weather brings an earlier start to rattlesnake season in the region.

The details

Hernandez was mountain biking at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine last month when he was bitten by a rattlesnake. The Orange County Fire Authority responded to a medical emergency call in the area and transported Hernandez to the hospital, where he later died. The coroner determined the cause of death was an animal bite, but Hernandez's family has disputed these findings and initiated an independent autopsy.

  • Last month, Hernandez was bitten by a rattlesnake while mountain biking at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine.
  • Hernandez was transported to the hospital after the incident, where he later died.

The players

Julian Hernandez

A 25-year-old Costa Mesa resident who died after being bitten by a rattlesnake while mountain biking.

Orange County Fire Authority

The emergency response team that was dispatched to the Quail Hill Trailhead and transported Hernandez to the hospital.

Hoag Hospital Irvine

The hospital where Hernandez was taken after the rattlesnake bite.

Dr. Mona Sedgehian

An internal medicine physician at Hoag Hospital Irvine who urged prompt medical attention for snake bites.

Orange County Animal Services

The agency that noted the recent warm weather has led to an earlier start to rattlesnake season in the area.

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What they’re saying

“Our family has initiated an independent third-party autopsy.”

— Hernandez Family

“It's very important to get to the emergency room as soon as possible.”

— Dr. Mona Sedgehian, Internal Medicine Physician, Hoag Hospital Irvine (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Hernandez family is awaiting the results of the independent autopsy to determine the exact cause of Julian's death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution around venomous snakes, especially as warmer weather brings an earlier start to rattlesnake season in the region. Prompt medical attention is crucial for anyone bitten by a rattlesnake.