Read the article. There are some pretty sharp turns around there and it is a steep descent off the trail. I have run into kids riding motorcycles near there and it can be hazardous for the hikers as well. The PCT is really only a hoof and foot trail. Sometimes there are reasons for these designations. The PCT Assn did some trail maintenance from DCHS south beyond Indian Camp a couple of years ago, but I haven't seen anything in that area from DCHS to the spillway. In fact, the trail is quite poor where it attempts to cross the creek by the spillway. The signs pointed into a swamp and you couldn't cross there. The real path was to cross at the spillway then follow the creek bed a quarter mile and then pick up the old road which goes to the crossing at 173. I don't recommend that area unless someone's with you who's been there before or you are good with maps and directions. Thanks for pointing out this tragic story. We all need to remember to be careful near OZ since it is a genuine wilderness.