A routine bike ride in Irvine’s Quail Hill area turned into a tragic incident when a 25-year-old from Costa Mesa was bitten by a rattlesnake after an apparent fall into nearby brush, resulting in his death a month later.

The incident has prompted local leaders to highlight safety practices when hiking and mountain biking in Orange County’s trails and wildland areas.

Kyle Oldoerp, spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department, explained that Julian Hernandez had been riding near the Quail Hill Community Center when he stopped to wait for a family member. While attempting to unclip his bike shoe, he appears to have lost his balance and fallen off the trail, Oldoerp said. 

“It appears that he lost his balance and then fell into some brush and then was bitten on his leg by a rattlesnake,” Oldoerp said.

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The incident occurred in an area where rattlesnakes are native and may become more visible as temperatures rise, though officials emphasize that this case is rare. 

Irvine has not recorded a rattlesnake bite in at least a decade, and fatal outcomes are even more uncommon, according to Oldoerp.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake moving about in the Red Rock Wilderness open space on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Credit: MAXIMO SANTANA, Voice of OC

Emergency responders from the Orange County Fire Authority treated Hernandez at the scene before transporting him to a hospital, where he remained for over a month before his death. While Hernandez’s family has raised concerns publicly about the handling of his medical care, Oldoerp clarified that there is no criminal investigation associated with the incident. 

“It was a medical aid call… there’s no criminal investigation,” he said, adding that the police department does not have insight into the specifics of Hernandez’s treatment.

Quail Hill in Irvine on April 17, 2026. Credit: CECILIA GEORGITIS, Voice of OC

Rais Vohra, medical director at California Poison Control System Fresno-Madera Division, explained that the first couple of minutes following a snake bite are often characterized by shock, an increased heart rate or a panicked reaction.

“They may feel pain, as with any bite, because you have teeth that are going into your skin. So it can be immediately painful,” Vohra said.

He said a person might experience a lot more pain within a few hours after the bite because their cells are dying under the skin.

“The venom is really there to digest tissue. That’s why the snakes produce it, because they want to digest that mouse or whatever mammal they’re trying to eat for their lunch,” Vohra said. 

“As it gets under the skin, it does the same thing — a feature of enzymes and other molecules that are designed to kind of break down body tissues.”

This process can cause inflammation characterized by swelling and redness in surrounding areas, and sometimes blisters can form.

Greg Pauly, a curator of herpetology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, elaborated that there are also other complications that could arise.

“Some people can have rare, but possible, allergic reactions. Either to the venom, or to the antivenom, which is derived from animals,” Pauly said. 

“So the human health consequences can vary depending on a number of factors, including how much venom the snake injected, the components of the venom, how quickly the person reached medical care, and how their body responds to treatment,” he said.

A rattlesnake takes up a paved path the family had planned months ahead to take Kennedy through on their hike. Credit: JEANETTE DURAN PACHECO, Voice of OC

Pauly emphasized that complications are extremely rare and that most recover within 7 to 10 days. Within a few weeks, those bitten can resume daily activities.

He added that many bites are “dry bites,” meaning no venom is injected. Venom use can deplete a snake’s energy, so they often use these bites as a warning to threats. 

Venomous bites can often be successfully treated with antivenom and close monitoring. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that of the 7,000 to 8,000 snake bites in the U.S. every year, only about five of those people die. 

Oldoerp echoed that sentiment, describing Hernandez’s case as highly unusual.

“It’s very uncommon for somebody to die of a bite,” he said. “This is definitely a unique circumstance.”

Quail Hill biking path in Irvine on April 17, 2026. Credit: CECILIA GEORGITIS, Voice of OC

According to Pauly, rattlesnake activity in Orange County increases during the spring and summer months. While snakes can be found year-round and may emerge during warm winter periods, in warmer months, activity dramatically increases as they actively forage and look for mates.  

Because temperatures rise in spring and summer, snakes are often active throughout the day, increasing the likelihood of human encounters, particularly in less developed hiking areas. 

Increased rattlesnake activity has recently been reported in other hiking areas, such as the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, highlighting the importance of rattlesnake awareness as warmer months approach. 

During the summer months, hikers should be especially mindful of the heightened risk.

An Irvine resident who frequently visits the trails in Quail Hill said in an interview that snake sightings in the area are not uncommon. 

The resident, who identified himself as 57-year-old Zach N., said he hikes the trails at least once a week with his dogs and has encountered snakes multiple times over the years.

Although Zach said he has never been bitten by a snake, he admitted he has not thought much about how he would respond in that situation. 

“I’ve never really thought about what I would do, but I would probably just call 911 and wait for instructions from them,” he said.

Vohra, medical director at Poison Control, said prevention is key when protecting yourself from rattlesnake bites.

Those planning to hike in an area known to have snakes should wear closed-toe shoes, like boots, as well as long, loose pants. Hikers should also consider using a walking stick, Vohra said, and remain aware of their surroundings.

Vohra also recommended that hikers carry basic first-aid supplies, keep a phone accessible, and always inform someone of their location; this way, if there is an accident on the trails, help can be reached quickly.

Quail Hill path in Irvine on April 17, 2026. Credit: CECILIA GEORGITIS, Voice of OC

Oldoerp, the Irvine police spokesperson, advised hikers to stay on clearly marked trails and to give rattlesnakes space should hikers encounter them on their trek. 

“Marked trails are clear of brush and it’s easy to see if a snake is in the area,” he said. “These guys like to curl up next to rocks, and they are very well camouflaged.”

Oldoerp also reinforced general hiking safety precautions. 

“If you’re hiking, make sure you have a cell phone that’s fully charged. Make sure your loved ones know where you’re going, and pack plenty of water,” he said. “If for some reason you do encounter a rattlesnake bite, stay put, call 911, let us help you.”

Quail Hill path in Irvine on April 17, 2026. Credit: CECILIA GEORGITIS, Voice of OC

Olerp also emphasized that snakes found near homes should be handled by professionals. 

He explained that trained animal control officers are specially equipped to safely handle rattlesnakes, using specialized tools such as snake tongs.

In most cases, the snakes are moved to nearby wildlands away from human populations, Oldoerp said.  

“We relocate them further away from homes so that they can continue doing their snake things and not be close to people.”

Graphics by Cecilia Georgitis, Nora Grube, Jordan Ballard

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