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Teen Hikers Still Missing in Cleveland National Forest
Nicholas Cendoya, 19, and Kyndall Jack, 18 (Photos courtesy of OC Sheriff-Coroner Department)
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The search continues Wednesday for a pair of teenaged hikers who have been lost in the Cleveland National Forest since they set out on a hike Easter Sunday.
Ground teams worked overnight to try to locate Nicholas Cendoya, 19, and Kyndall Jack, 18, who called authorities about 8:25 p.m. Sunday to say they were lost, said Gail Krause of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Soon after, however, their cellphone battery died.
Cendoya and Jack had been hiking in Holy Jim Canyon.
Shortly after midnight, the families of the missing teens had their car towed out of the area.
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At 2:30 a.m. there was a modified ground search in action, according to City News Service, which expanded once dawn arrived.
Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Erin Giudice said on Tuesday she was hopeful the hikers would be found, adding: "They're very young kids. They're very healthy. It didn't get very cold [Monday] night, so I believe they're out there still, and we will find them."
The OCSD says they have had an outpouring of response from the public who have wanted to aid in the search. They are letting anyone who wants to contribute to the search know that preparation and safety are key. From a release issued by the OCSD:
When hiking in wilderness areas, be prepared for the unexpected. Tell family and friends what your plans are and provide a list of who will be going with you. Wear appropriate shoes, bring plenty of water and food, have a map/compass/GPS, fully charge your mobile phone, pack a whistle and a flashlight.
Previously: Hikers Still Lost In National Forest After Easter Sunday Outing
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