Two missing hikers who spent nearly five days lost in the California wilderness have been found alive after rescuers followed their footprints, authorities said.
Eric Desplinter, 33, and Gabrielle Wallace, 31, were located at a campfire late Wednesday on Mount Baldy in San Bernadino County, the sheriff’s office said.
The pair set off on the expedition Saturday in the San Gabriel Mountains, and friends reported them missing when they didn’t return that evening, according to officials.
Desplinter said they lost their way on a trail, then attempted to descend through a valley, which was “more treacherous” than they expected, news station KABC reported.
Searching for the hikers, authorities uncovered two sets of footprints Wednesday in Cucamonga Canyon and followed them. Rescue crews using helicopters were alerted, then flew over the area and spotted the pair, officials said.
The duo said they were running low on supplies when they were airlifted to safety. They rationed food and used a LifeStraw device to filter water, according to KABC.
“We’re very grateful to be found tonight,” Desplinter told the news station. “I’m ready to get to bed and get some rest.”
San Bernardino Sheriff John McMahon thanked the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office and volunteers for assisting in the search.
“Volunteers are a real blessing to our agencies, providing thousands of hours giving back to make our communities better and stronger,” McMahon said in a statement. “This is a perfect example of their commitment.”