The body of a California man who was reported missing after failing to return from a hike to the top of San Gorgonio has been found in the San Bernardino National Forest, officials said on May 2.
Robert Kerry Jr., 33, was found at the base of Big Falls, a popular spot near the summit, and rescuers found he had died after falling about 80 feet, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said.
Family members said Kerry disappeared on April 30 at the sheriff’s office and said he had not returned from a hike in Mount San Gorgonio. The family called Kerry an experienced hiker, but said he had never climbed 11,503 feet, the highest mountain in Southern California.
Kerry’s mother, Bonnie Phillips, told NBC News that her son had sent her an SMS before taking off for the hike.
“He sent me a message. He said, ‘When you wake up, go out and look at the highest mountain you see there.’ And I will be upstairs. Wish me luck, “Phillips said.” He was adamant that he would reach the top of this mountain. And he did it. “
Kerry followed her mother down the path and told her she was a mile from the top.
He did not appear at the family’s weekly dinner that night, NBC reported.
Shortly after the family contacted the sheriff’s dispatch, the department said it had received a call from witnesses “reporting unknown [subject] is calling for help in the Forest Falls area. “
Rescue teams have been sent to the area to conduct a search. In the dark, the sheriff’s helicopter finds a man who has not responded and finds that he has died from his injuries. The retrieval of the body was postponed to the next day due to the “danger and complexity of the recovery operation” at night, the sheriff’s office said.
On Sunday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office hoisted a rescue team by helicopter to the scene, and they found Kerry’s remains. The San Bernardino County Court has identified the man as Kerry, the sheriff’s office said.
Kerry’s family thanked the rescue staff, the sheriff’s office said.
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