73-year-old man who vanished from California hike as snow fell is found safe, cops say

UPDATE: The Ventura County East Valley Search and Rescue said Song was found safe Thursday, Feb. 17. He was “in good condition,” authorities said.

A 73-year-old man planned to go on a day hike in California. He never returned, officials told news outlets.

Gab Song of Torrance planned to go hiking Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the Mount Pinos area, the Kern County sheriff told KBAK.

A search and rescue team began looking for Song after he was reported missing. They only found his car locked near a trailhead, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office told KBAK.

Family members are worried about Song surviving the night.

“We’re trying to get any info,” his son said on Instagram. “Anyone who might have seen him hiking, any tips that can help search and rescue find him.”

He vanished from the hike as freezing temperatures and snow pounded the mountains, ABC 7 reported. Song also did not have necessary medication with him, his son said.

Rescuers found up to 8 inches of snow on the ground during their search, according to KTLA. Song wasn’t prepared for winter weather and had only planned for a day hike, the news outlet reported.

“We just kept calling and by the time it was 10 p.m., started getting worried,” Song’s son told ABC 7. “Definitely a feeling of crazy urgency, knowing that the temperatures are going to be in the teens.”

Search teams will continue to look for Song, according to KBAK. Anyone with information should contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

This story was originally published February 17, 2022 at 11:47 AM with the headline "73-year-old man who vanished from California hike as snow fell is found safe, cops say."