UPDATE (3:30 PM): The search for a missing hiker ended on a positive note in the Frazier Park area. Gab Song was reported missing on Monday but was found Thursday.
Hiker Gab Song was safely reunited with his friends and family who, alongside law enforcement agencies and search and rescue crews, helped in the efforts.
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Torrance Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, KCSO joined the search in Frazier Park Wednesday, and found Song’s vehicle near Mount Pinos area but did not locate him.
Thursday afternoon with the help of search and rescue teams, two helicopters, snow rescue vehicles, and ground teams, Song was found safe in the Lockwood Valley, which is southeast of Pine Mountain Club, by a local citizen. Danielle Kernkamp with KCSO said the community played a major role in finding Song.
“We would like to thank the public and their assistance for this case. Obviously, there was a big social media presence, which was able to help the private citizens locate the missing hiker and he’s in good spirits.”
Song’s son Mike, said he is relieved that his dad was found safe.
“I have no words man; it's an indescribable feeling and I think that I'm just thankful my dad is alive.”
It’s been an emotional few days for Mike Song.
“My whole family is going to embrace him and after we give him a big ole hug [and] we cry together, we are going to be so mad at him.”
He’s the son of 73-year-old Gab Song and says his father is an avid hiker.
“He goes hiking a lot, but we just knew that he didn’t have the equipment for the day because of the snowstorm out of nowhere”
When he didn’t come home, Song said the family knew something was wrong.
“He said it was terrible, all he said so far was it was a terrible time.”
Song said they are grateful for the community’s help.
“I am still processing how much love and support we got from strangers. Not just friends and family but strangers.”
Despite going missing, he said he doesn’t think this experience will stop his dad from hiking again.
“I don’t doubt that he'll be back for sure.”
UPDATE (12:26 PM): Missing hiker Gab Song has been found safe in the area of Lockwood Valley, according to KCSO.
Kern County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s help in finding a missing hiker. They were contacted by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 16 for Gab Song, a 72-year-old Korean man, that went missing during a hike.
KCSO Patrol Deputies were sent to search Frazier Park and found the Song’s car near a trailhead in the Mount Pinos area.
They did not find Song himself but did send out KCSO’s Search and Rescue Unit along with units from Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Three Search and Rescue teams, two helicopters, multiple snow rescue cars and ground personnel were used in the search, but the missing hiker was not found.
The search will continue tomorrow.
Anyone having information regarding the missing hiker, is being asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office at: (661) 861-3110.
