Search efforts continue for a second day to locate a legally blind senior citizen who went missing this weekend while hiking in Joshua Tree National Park. Park officials said David Sewell, 76, of Joshua Tree, left a note in his car indicating that he was departing “For an unspecified location in Johnny Long Canyon” and that if he did not return the following day, “he would need assistance.”
Park rangers found Sewell’s vehicle at around 8 p.m. Saturday at the Quail Springs day use area, which is south of the Joshua Tree entrance near the San Bernardino County-Riverside County border within the park. A note was found in the silver Honda Odyssey stating that he was leaving at 8:45 Saturday morning April 21, and if he was not back by Sunday, April 22, he would need assistance. When he did not return, search and rescue personnel started operations Monday morning at 6:45. Around 50 searchers spent the day Monday looking for him, with two K-9 teams and helicopters dispatched. The K-9 teams were eventually taken off the search because of concerns about the heat; high temperatures hovered in the mid-90s. Park officials said they have spoken with Sewell’s daughter, who told them that in addition to Sewell being legally blind, he also suffers from “numerous health issues.” Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call the tip line at 888-294-3666.
SEARCH CONTINUES FOR ELDERLY HIKER MISSING IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
