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Authorities Find Body Of Hiker, 76, Reported Missing In Angeles National Forest

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST (CBS) — Authorities have found the body of a 76-year-old hiker who was reported missing after failing to return home from a trek in the Angeles National Forest.

Richard "Dick" DeRusha went to the Switzer Falls campground area near Mount Wilson Friday, according to Lt. Marjory Jacobs.

Deputies from the Crescenta Valley Station began to search for the experienced hiker after he was reported missing by his son shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Monday.

DeRusha's wife, Bea, told Echo Park Patch her husband had a heart condition and took only enough food with him to last for his hike, which she described as "a bit experimental."

DeRusha has been a progressive activist in the Echo Park and Silver Lake areas for decades. His Facebook page describes him as a retired shop teacher, nightclub manager, printer and photographer.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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