Missing Hiker Rescued

Edward Rosenthal, missing since last Friday, was spotted alive at 10:30 Thursday by a San Bernardino County Serriff's helicopter crew. He was given first aid at the scene and airlifted to Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree, California, where he was said to be in fair condition by Medical Center spokesperson Joseph Ruddon.

Visitors camping at Black Rock Campground reported to Park Service personnel on Sunday that Rosenthal had told them on Friday that he was going on a day hike but had not returned. Search efforts were initiated along maintained trails in the Black Rock Canyon area, were continued on Monday and expanded on Tuesday.

Late Tuesday, search teams found tracks, believed to be Rosenthal's, in the East Wide Canyon area of the park—a remote, rugged wilderness of steep hills, deep ravines, and desert canyons. Since Wednesday, rescue efforts had been concentrated in this area.

During his ordeal, Rosenthal sustained himself on the limited amount of food and water he carried in his daypack. Eventually he sought a shady location in a side ravine where he waited for help.

Incident Commander Dan Messaros of Joshua Tree National Park closed the command center on Thursday afternoon and thanked everyone involved for their dedication, professionalism, and perseverance. The Edward Rosenthal family wishes to express its thanks to all search personnel, family members, and well-wishers who supported them during their ordeal.

Ground and equestion teams, trackers, search dogs, and fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter crews all contributed to the successful outcome. Logisital support was provided by Joshua Tree National Park staff and San Bernardino County's Sheriff's Office personnel.

The following organizations participated in the search: Joshua Tree Search and Rescue, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office, San Bernardino County Search and Rescue, Riverside County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office, Orange County Sheriff's Office, San Diego Mountain Rescue, Civil Air Patrol.