Hiker Who Went Missing In Chantry Flats Area Declared Dead

CHANTRY FLATS (CBSLA.com) — A hiker who had gone missing while hiking Thursday in the Chantry Flats area was found dead Saturday.

John Richard King, 63, of La Puente, had gone for a hike about 10:30 a.m. Thursday in an area just north of Arcadia, and had planned to spend the day in the Angeles National Forest.

His family said King, who was an experienced hiker, had visited the area many times.

His son, Scott King, said when King hadn't returned by 3 p.m. that day, they tried calling him, but he hadn't replied. They then reported him missing Thursday night.

Deputies subsequently located King's car in the parking lot area, and continued their search.

Around 10 a.m. Saturday, authorities located a body  in water 40-feet below a trail on Hermit Falls.

His family has been notified of the discovery. On Saturday evening, the LA County Sheriff's Department said the family made a positive identification.

It appears at some point during his hike, King slipped and fell approximately 40 feet. Foul play is not suspected. Officials said the death was accidental.

CBS2's Tina Patel reported from the area where she spoke to some of the 55 volunteers who were searching for King.

"It breaks my heart," said Nancy Tinker. "but the trails are tough. It's not easy up here."

She was hoping to help because she is also an experienced hiker who knows the area.