Two Missing Yosemite Hikers Found
Yosemite National Park, CA — Yosemite National Park officials that a couple of hikers missing since Sunday have been safely recovered.
According to park spokesperson Scott Gediman, “We had two gentlemen that went on a hike from the White Wolf area…towards the Hetch Hetchy area — they were on a several day backpacking trip. These were a couple of firefighters from the southern California area…Fullerton.”
Gediman adds that the two were due out on Sunday and did not come back. “So Monday we began a hasty search for them…went to intensify the search and both of the gentlemen were found this morning in the area — and both are doing well. We are getting them medical attention, although there is little if any that they need, and getting them reunited with their families.”
The pair, Capt. Javier Avelar and firefighter-paramedic Dave Brown had planned to hike through Pleasant Valley over Rancheria Mountain, according to park officials. The Associated Press, which earlier reported on the incident after vehicles belonging to the two were located in the park, stated that it had heard both men were experienced backpackers were familiar with the area.
Shrugging Gediman says, “They got lost…we don’t know exactly what happened but we are certainly investigating that. The important thing is that they are both safe and sound and that we are thrilled.”
