Bodies found at Joshua Tree may be missing SoCal hikers

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Monday, October 16, 2017
Bodies of missing SoCal hikers possibly found at Joshua Tree
Authorities at Joshua Tree National Park believe they have found the bodies of missing hikers Rachel Nguyen, 20, of Westminster and Joseph Orbeso, 21, of Lakewood.

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK -- Two bodies have been found in Joshua Tree National Park that are believed to be a pair of hikers from Southern California missing since July.

The bodies are believed to be Joseph Orbeso, 21, of Lakewood and Rachel Nguyen, 20, of Westminster, sources told ABC affiliate KESQ.

They have been missing since July 28, when they were supposed to check out of their accommodations, but never did, and their vehicle was found in the northwest area of the park.

Extensive search efforts had been unable to locate them at the time.

Family members involved in the search believe the bodies are those of the missing hikers, but authorities have yet to issue an official confirmation.