Searchers Rescue Hiker Lost in Cleveland National Forest
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A hiker lost overnight in the Cleveland National Forest without food or water was rescued by the Sheriff’s Department helicopter Thursday afternoon.
The 35-year-old Tustin man, who asked authorities not to identify him, was hiking with a friend about 5 p.m. Wednesday on the Chiquito Trail near the San Juan ranger station, about 12 miles east of Interstate 5 off Ortega Highway.
The pair became separated about 8 p.m., and the friend found his way home, Sheriff’s Lt. Ron Wilkerson said. He called the Sheriff’s Department about 11 a.m. Thursday when he found his companion never made it home.
Sheriff’s reserve deputies, bloodhounds, the search and rescue team and the Sheriff’s Department helicopter searched for the man. The helicopter crew found him about 2 p.m.
The man told paramedics he was tired and dehydrated, but was otherwise OK, Wilkerson said.
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