Ten days of searching have failed to turn up any clues to the whereabouts of a young couple thought to be missing in Joshua Tree National Park in California.
The two, Rachel Nguyen and Joseph Orbeso, arrived at the park early in the morning on July 27, according to park staff, but haven't been seen or heard from since.
An extensive search has been going on in the park since July 28 with teams and resources from the National Park Service, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Joshua Tree National Park Search and Rescue, San Bernardino County Search and Rescue, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Border Patrol and the California Rescue Dog Association.
While resources have been scaled back, a special regional overhead team made up of investigators from Yosemite National Park and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park have arrived on scene as well as NPS drone specialists from the Grand Canyon. Canine teams from JOSAR are also continuing the search when the scorching temperatures will allow.
The couple reportedly had gone into the park to celebrate Mr. Orbeso's birthday with a hike. They were reported missing when they failed to check out of an Airbnb. High temperatures in the park have been around 100 degrees.
“Our search teams have put forth a tremendous effort for the rescue and recovery of these two young people. We can only begin to imagine just how difficult and painful this whole experience has been for the parents, family and friends of Joseph and Rachel," said Joshua Tree Superintendent David Smith. "It has deeply affected the men and women involved in this search. Although we have had to scale back the active rescue, we continue to dedicate park resources to finding them.”
The couple’s vehicle was found at the trailhead of a popular hiking trail known as the Maze Loop. Anyone who might have been hiking or stopping in the area and recall seeing a couple in their early 20s, or having other pertinent information about the two, are asked to contact San Bernardino Dispatch at 909 383-5652.
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