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Community Corner

Hiker Found Dead in Nearby Nat'l Park, Police Issue Warning

Outdoor lovers are being reminded to bring along enough water and other supplies when hiking-- especially as the hot summer is upon us.

It's a common theme in our local mountains every summer: lost hikers needing help.

But sometimes that help can't get there soon enough, and news out of Joshua Tree that a hiker was found dead last night serves as a chilling reminder to those who enjoy hiking our many nearby mountain trails.

Law enforcement and search and rescue workers searching for a missing hiker found a dead body in Joshua Tree National Park, a sheriff's sergeant said today.

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A hiker was reported missing about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Jumbo Rock Campground area of the park, sheriff's Sgt. Steve DaSilva said.

"Park rangers, search and rescue personnel, and a CHP helicopter searched the area for the hiker. Shortly after 9 p.m., search and rescue members located a deceased hiker in the area," DaSilva said.

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The hiker's identity was being withheld pending notification of kin. DaSilva did not say if the dead hiker and the missing hiker was the same person.

DaSilva said people hiking during the summer should bring enough water, dress appropriately and take a charged cellphone.

"Make sure to provide friends and family with information about your itinerary in the event you become lost or stranded. This will aid rescuers in locating you and returning you to safety," he said.

Anyone with information regarding the case was asked to contact sheriff's Investigator Michael Gaunt at (760) 863-8990.

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