The 44-inch steel-tipped pole passed through the flesh beneath Cifaldi’s left arm, missing any vital organs, and protruded from his back. Stream San Diego News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC 7. After more than six hours in which they traveled about 10 miles and descended roughly 5,000 feet, the group reached a trailhead where one of them, Cifaldi's friend Jesse Ross, had parked a vehicle. Jesse Ross Jesse RossCifaldi had long wanted to climb Granite Peak. Jesse Ross Jesse RossBy about 3:30 p.m. the hikers were in Ross' vehicle headed to the nearest clinic, Cifaldi said.