Missing Hiker Found After Five-Day Search

Joshua Tree National Park (CA)
Missing Hiker Found After Five-Day Search

The five-day search for Culver City resident Edward Rosenthal ended yesterday with search crews finding the missing hiker alive. A helicopter crew from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office found Rosenthal around 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning. He was given first aid at the scene by the helicopter crew and airlifted to Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree, California, where he is being treated in the hospital’s intensive care unit as a precautionary measure and is listed in fair condition. Rosenthal began hiking last Friday in an area near Black Rock Campground. After failing to return from his hike, he was reported missing by campers to National Park Service rangers on Sunday, September 26th. Search efforts were initially concentrated along maintained trails in the Black Rock area. Late last Tuesday, search teams found tracks believed to be Rosenthal’s in the East Wide Canyon area of the park – a remote, rugged wilderness of steep hills, deep ravines, and desert canyons. Since Wednesday, rescue efforts have been concentrated in this area of the park, leading to Rosenthal’s discovery Thursday morning. During his ordeal, Rosenthal sustained himself on the limited amount of food and water he carried in his daypack. Eventually, he sought a shady location in side ravine, where he waited for help. Searcher and rescue personnel participating in the extended search included the following organizations: Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR), San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, San Bernardino County Search and Rescue, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, San Diego Mountain Rescue, and the Civil Air Patrol. Park staff and San Bernardino County’s Sheriff’s personnel provided vital logistical support. Each day, anywhere from 25 to 55 searchers took part in the ongoing operation. Ground search teams, trackers, equestrian teams, search dogs, and airplanes and helicopters all contributed to the successful outcome. IC Dan Messaros closed the command center on Thursday afternoon and thanked all personnel involved for their dedication, professionalism, and perseverance. The Edward Rosenthal family wishes to express its thanks to all search personnel, family members, and well-wishers who supported them during their long ordeal.