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2 Missing Off-Roaders Found Safe In Joshua Tree National Park

JOSHUA TREE (CBSLA.com) — A man and woman from Lakewood were back at home Wednesday after going missing in Joshua Tree National Park.

Helen Melnyk, 56, and friend Tony Nosow, 59, were reported missing by family members Sunday night when they didn't return home after off-roading at the park on Saturday.

According to park spokesman Joe Zarki, a vehicle with a driver matching Nosow's description entered the park on Saturday, which was the last time Melnyjk's daughter, Christina, said she heard from her mom.

The pair managed to reach an area of the desert that has cell phone service and called 911 and sent text messages to Christina and a friend.

Christina told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO the experience has been quite an ordeal.

"They broke down...they ended up with three flat tires on a back road that is not traveled on very heavily," she said.

The two suffered from dehydration, but were not treated for any serious injuries.

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