Crime & Safety
Rescuers Find Lost Hikers in Switzer Falls
One man was found in rugged terrain and hoisted into a helicopter, authorities said.
Rescuers Thursday found two brothers who spent the night in the Angeles National Forest a few miles north of La Canada Flintridge after getting lost on a hike.
The men, ages 54 and 48, had gone on a day hike to the Switzer Falls area on Wednesday and failed to return at 5:30 p.m. as planned, said sheriff's Sgt. Debra Herman of the .
According to the La Cañada Valley Sun, Andre and Rene Laurencut were attempting to hike from the Switzer Picnic Area to the on the Gabrielino Trail, Mike Leum, assistant director of the Montrose Search and rescue Team team told the paper. They failed to see a trail closure sign and got stuck, Leum told the paper.
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“One had hiked [the trail] a long time ago, maybe 20 years ago, but after the fires, floods and windstorms, that trail is almost impassable,” Leum said in the Valley Sun article. “With all the downed trees, the different terrain, it is a nightmare.”
Family members reported them missing late Wednesday night, and a search was organized. About 6:40 this morning, rescuers found Andre Laurencut, and hoisted him from rugged terrain into a helicopter, Herman said. His brother was found a short time later, and was also brought to safety. Both are OK. Neither man is an experienced hiker, Herman said. One man is from the La Canada area, and the other was visiting from out of state, Herman said.
