Tragic End: Body of Missing Hiker Found Just Short of Populated Area in San Diego
Body of missing 50-year-old hiker, Diem Le Nguyen, found near populated area after separating from group during San Diego heat wave.
The body of a woman, believed to be the missing 50-year-old hiker, Diem Le Nguyen, was found just short of a populated area after she went missing on a trail in San Diego during a heatwave. The body was discovered off a trail around 9:15 a.m. during a helicopter search of Black Mountain.
Separation and Disappearance
Diem Le Nguyen was hiking on the Nighthawk Trail with a group of about 100 people when she separated from the group to continue on the trail alone. She had left the group on her own and continued toward the peak alone. After separating from her group, she made a phone call of distress to her family around 10 a.m., stating she was very hot and needed water. Unfortunately, it was the last time anyone heard from her.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Following the distress call and the excessive heat in the mountains, search and rescue crews, including helicopters, dogs, drones, and ground teams, were immediately deployed to find Nguyen. The search and rescue teams were actively looking for her near the Nighthawk Trail on Black Mountain. However, her body was found just a quarter-mile away from reaching a street, highlighting the tragic closeness to safety she was at before her death.
Community Support and Weather Advisory
Officials in California had warned of high temperatures affecting inland San Diego over the weekend, and the National Weather Service had issued an excessive heat advisory for parts of Southern California through Sunday. San Diego Police Lt. Daniel Meyer emphasized the need for community support for Nguyen's family and friends during this traumatic time.
A death investigation will be conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office to confirm the identity of the body, bringing a tragic end to the search for Diem Le Nguyen.
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