Search Resumes For Hiker Swept Away In San Gabriel River

AZUSA (AP) — A search has resumed for a 21-year-old hiker who fell into the frigid San Gabriel River and was swept away north of Azusa.

Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Rich Pena says a search and rescue team with a helicopter began searching again Saturday morning in the rugged area of the Angeles National Forest.

Joe Le, a 20-year-old Anaheim resident, was hiking with others Friday near the Camp Williams Resort. Le fell into the river from a rope crossing and was swept away by waist-high waters.

Authorities say other hikers saw him tumble down the river until they lost sight of him.

After five hours of searching by ground and air, rescue crews found a backpack belonging to the hiker but there was no sign of the man.

The initial search was called off at nightfall Friday.

For more information on the missing hiker and the call for prayers in his honor go to Joe Le's Facebook page.

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