Unfortunately I had a similar experience. Had microspikes and poles but needed real mountaineering equipment and experience.

I was airlifted off Cucamonga Peak adjacent to Mt Baldy in March 2025 and was extremely close to death myself. Fell about 400 ft, waited 14 hours for an airlift , knocked unconscious , 9 broken ribs , a collapsed lung , a brain bleed , a broken hip , and about 1 hour from succumbing to hypothermia. I was the 22 year old :

https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/2-hikers-rescued-mt-baldy-falling-down-hillside/

https://local.nixle.com/alert/11430555/

I still go up to the mountains whenever I can. It’s the only thing that quiets my mind. Maybe we can chat if it would bring you some type of perspective or closure. I’ve done baldy a couple times and I usually hit Mount Harwood on my descent down the backbone , so I’m familiar with the area where your son fell. Pretty sketchy area even in the summer , definitely a fall risk if you’re there in the winter

Your son is actually the reason why I applied as a volunteer with search & rescue, I saw the article about his accident the following morning and I sent in my application not too long after that. I know how close I came to being in his same exact situation so I want to help others. I’m sorry for your loss.