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Firefighter Who Disappeared On Camping Trip Two Weeks Ago Found Dead
Authorities announced today that they found the dead body of an off-duty firefighter who had gone missing two weeks ago on a camping trip in the Fillmore area of Los Padres National Forest.
Mike Herdman, 36, disappeared on June 13 after he chased after his dog who ran away from his campsite. His camping buddy and fellow firefighter, Taylor Byars, got separated from Herdman during their search. When Byars didn't see Herdman (who was barefoot and only wearing a T-shirt and shorts at the time) return, he embarked on a two-day trek out of the mountains to get help from authorities.
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials did not give any more details during a press conference today about where or how they found Herdman, according to KTLA.
Large rescue crews (with up to as many as 86 search and rescue volunteers at one point) had been searching daily for Herdman by foot, helicopters and drones since June 16. During their search efforts, four were injured, including an assistant fire chief who was bitten by a rattlesnake and had to be taken to intensive care. They found Herdman's backpack and footprints, and even his dog who was dehydrated.
Herdman is survived by a wife and a young daughter.
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