Two bodies were found in Joshua Tree National Park, locked in an embrace, nearly three months after a southern California couple vanished while hiking nearby.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the bodies were found Sunday. Officials have not confirmed the identities of the bodies.
Rachel Nguyen and Joseph Orbeso, 20 and 21, were reported missing July 28, after they failed to check out of their accommodations near the park.
Two bodies were found in Joshua Tree National Park on Sunday, and they are believed to be the remains of a couple who went missing nearly three months ago – 21-year-old Joseph Orbeso (left) and 20-year-old Rachel Nguyen
Orbeso’s father Gilbert took part in the search on Sunday.
‘I believed I was going to find them. I didn’t know when, but I had my answer today,’ Gilbert told KABC.
He said that they found clothing near a wash, and a trail of water bottles and food wrappers led them to the bodies, which were embracing one another.
‘I hope that they can rest in peace now,’ Gilbert said.
Authorities said a ping from Orbeso’s cellphone was recorded in the park a day before the couple was reported missing.
The couple’s car was later found in the northwestern area of the park.
Orbeso and Nguyen’s car was discovered near the Maze Loop, in the northwest area of the park, and footprints were seen leading away from it.
The couple were reported missing July 28, after they failed to check out of their accommodations near the park. Above, the search effort back in July
Temperatures in the park had topped 100 degrees and it was unclear whether the couple had water and supplies with them
‘The way the tracks were picked up indicate these people could be walking in circles, which is not uncommon when people are lost,’ George Land, a spokesman for Joshua Tree National Park, told the Orange County Register.
Temperatures in the park had topped 100 degrees and it was unclear whether the couple had water and supplies with them.
Land said the couple did not appear to be experienced hikers.
‘They weren’t desert rats,’ Land said. ‘This is a whole different world out here.’
Orbeso and Nguyen visited Joshua Tree National Park to celebrate her Nguyen’s birthday, according to their friend Austin Young, 23.
Young said Orbeso, a security guard at a Long Beach golf course, was ‘in very good shape, always carries knives when hiking and is a survivalist.
‘He is also the most respectful, honest, and straight-forward person you will ever meet,’ he said.