Missing Hiker Died of 'Recreational Accident,' Authorities Say

Authorities on Wednesday identified a hiker whose body was discovered in the Angeles National Forest, and said his death appeared to be accidental.

The body of 32-year-old Kyle Benjamin Hunt of Tehachapi was discovered on Tuesday afternoon in steep, icy terrain near the Pacific Crest Trail and Angeles Crest Highway, according to the sheriff’s San Dimas Station. The body was airlifted from the remote area.

Hunt, who was known as an experienced hiker, had set off alone on Friday, and was supposed to have returned on Sunday, authorities said. Another hiker saw an abandoned backpack belonging to Hunt and notified authorities.

“Preliminary investigation indicates the incident appears to be a recreational accident,” according to a sheriff’s statement.

--City News Service, photo via Shutterstock