A search team looking for a missing hiker in the Angeles National Forest of Southern California stumbled upon an unexpected surprise when they encountered none other than Jay Leno. And thankfully, they also eventually located their missing person.
In a Facebook post earlier this week, the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team explained that on Saturday, Aug. 17, a "very fit and experienced" 78-year-old hiker identified as "Mr. Yang" had gone out with a group hiking expedition to summit Mt. Waterman, just north of Los Angeles. However, when the rest of the party returned to the parking lot, they realized he was no longer with the group.
Mr. Yang was reported missing around 3 p.m., and search and rescue teams suited up to go looking for him, hiking "practically everywhere" for the next almost 12 hours. After turning up nothing, the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team was called in to assist with the search early Sunday morning.
"That morning, we were ready and waiting along with fresh crews from each team, search dogs, and other resources," the post continued. "After we completed our first assignment, we landed at Newcomb’s Ranch, which just so happened to be where Jay and his friends rendezvoused for a drive. Unfortunately, they hadn’t seen our missing hiker but they were grateful for our efforts."
Among the photos the team posted of their search efforts was the group posing with Leno, who was naturally outfitted in his typical uniform of denim on denim.
There was also a happy ending to the story. After about eight hours of searching and with help from some local hikers, the team located Mr. Yang "in good health but dehydrated." All told, he had spent about 30 hours in the wilderness, and was airlifted to safety and reunited with his family.
