Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Hiker Succumbs to Heat

 

Last updated 8/6/2024 at 8:01am



A hiker was found dead on August 5, after he set out toward a trail in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Officials received a call that morning that a man who had been hiking by himself in the park, had not returned. According to family members, his last known location at the time was in the Dos Cabezas region.

The hiker’s vehicle, a dark blue 2020 Honda Civic with Ohio license plates was found with a note, dated August 4, stating he was headed to the trail. Both days, the temperatures reached nearly 112º F.

A sheriff’s helicopter located the body near Mortero Wash, about a quarter-mile from the hiker’s vehicle, officials said.

The hiker was identified as Aidan Moncelle.

It is possible his body was taken over by heat and the elements, but the county Medical Examiner’s Office have not officially determine the cause of death.