Searchers working to locate a missing 63-year-old experienced hiker in the Chantry Flats area of the Angeles National Forest Saturday found a man’s body.
The body was found about noon at the base of Hermit Falls, said Sgt. Alan Liu of the Temple Sheriff’s Station.
Sheriff’s homicide detectives, forest rangers and the coroner’s office were contacted to make a positive identification and determine cause of death, Liu said.
La Puente resident John Richard King was reported missing at 11:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the sheriff’s department.
“Mr. King left his home … on Thursday to go hiking at Chantry Flats in the city of Sierra Madre, and did not return,” a sheriff’s statement said. “Mr. King’s vehicle was located in the parking area of Chantry Flats.”
Authorities circulated a photo of King, described as white, 5-feet-10 inches tall, 220 pounds, with brown eyes, short gray hair and a gray beard.
“He is an avid hiker and his family is very concerned for his well- being,” the statement said.
A deputy told Fox 11 that King is an experienced hiker who knew the area well and who normally would be involved in searches for missing hikers himself.
The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team was involved in the search, along with deputies from the Temple Station.
— From Staff and Wire Reports