Los Angeles County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Teams (SAR) were successful in safely locating missing hiker Rene Compean today, Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at approximately 3:45 p.m., in the Angeles National Forest.
Mr. Compean was reported missing yesterday, Monday, April 12, 2021 at approximately 6:00 p.m. SAR Teams were activated and immediately started to search for Rene in the Mt. Waterman area. They were worried for the missing hiker since it was getting dark and cold. They searched throughout the night without success and a new team was assembled first thing this morning to continue the search.
Unfortunately, Rene did not have his "location" on for his phone, so team members were unable to get his location code from the photo. We were able to send the photo out to the media and on social media platforms hoping someone would recognize the area in the photo and call us to help.
SAR Team members were able to comunnicate with a member of the community who is also an avid hiker in the Angeles National Forest. He shared information he knew about the area pictured in our posts.
Our Air5 started to search in the area of Twin Peaks East and Triplet Rocks where they flew low, and close to the mountain. Through the fog they found Rene safe. He was airlifted to meet with our rescuers and pose for a quick picture (included).
LASD wants to thank everyone that pulled together and helped us find Rene safe and sound so quickly. We greatly appreciate the many phone calls, emails and social media posts with information.
For any questions regarding the found hiker, please call Crescenta Valley Station Sgt. John Gilbert at 818-248-3464.
Forwarded by:
Deputy Trina Schrader
Sheriff's Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street,
Los Angeles California 90012
213-229-1700
http://www.lasd.org
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ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE IS AS FOLLOWS:
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams need your help locating a missing hiker. His car was found near Buckhorn Campground/Trailhead. It is unknown which trail he took from there.
Crescenta Valley Station received a call of a missing hiker from Angeles Crest Highway, Monday, April 12, 2021 at approximately 6:00 p.m.
The caller stated his friend (male Hispanic 45yrs old) text advising he was lost and his cell phone was dying.
The missing hiker sent this picture to his friend earlier in the hike. The hikers legs (in the picture) look dirty possibly from a burn area on the mountain. If you recognize the area pictured, please call us 818-248-3464.
Forwarded by:
Deputy Trina Schrader
Sheriff's Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street,
Los Angeles California 90012
213-229-1700
http://www.lasd.org
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Alex Villanueva, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
