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.
Compean's car was found near Buckhorn Campground/Trailhead.
Crescenta Valley Station received a call of a missing hiker from Angeles Crest Highway on Monday at 6 p.m.
LASD said in a press release that the caller stated his friend (male Hispanic 45-years-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 hiker's legs (in the picture) look dirty possibly from a burn area on the mountain.
SAR Team members were able to communicate 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 LASD posts.
"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," LASD officials said in a statement.
"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."