On January 12, at approximately 5:40 p.m., deputies from the Hemet Station responded to a report of a missing hiker on the trails southwest of Simpson Park.

Deputies were told that two males in their mid-twenties had been hiking in the area when one became ill on the trail.

The hiker experiencing medical problems remained on the trail while his companion went back to Simpson Park to seek assistance.  Due to his unfamiliarity with the terrain, the companion was unable to lead rescue personnel back to the exact location of his friend.

The Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, Desert Search and Rescue Unit, along with search and rescue dogs, were called to search for the missing hiker.

The following morning, January 13, at approximately 7:30 a.m., search teams located the deceased missing hiker.

Investigators from the Hemet Station responded to the scene to assist with the death investigation.  The cause of death is under investigation by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.

No foul play is suspected in the hiker’s death.  His name is being withheld pending notification to the next of kin.

This investigation is ongoing and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone who has any information about this incident to contact the Hemet Station at (951) 791-3400.

Filed under Headline

Friday, January 13, 2012

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