Hiker who left heat-stricken girlfriend for help found dead, California officials say

A 29-year-old hiker who left his heat-stricken girlfriend to try to find help has been found dead, California rescuers told news outlets.

Searchers found Tim Sgrignoli’s body Thursday, Sept. 8, near Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County, NBC News reported.

The Ventura man vanished Sunday, Sept. 4, after leaving his girlfriend on a hike to Gaviota Peak to seek help after she was overcome by 114-degree heat, McClatchy News reported.

A helicopter rescued her later in the day but Sgrignoli, who had left his phone and remaining water with her, remained missing in the Santa Barbara Mountains for four days.

His remains were found at 9:29 a.m. Thursday between Trespass Trail and Highway 101, USA Today reported. His death remains under investigation but appears to be heat-related.

The couple, both from Ventura, had reached the summit of Gaviota Peak and were descending when the woman began to suffer from heat exhaustion, the Los Angeles Times reported.

They sought shade under a rock outcropping and Sgrignoli decided to hike out to call for help and collect supplies before returning, according to the publication.

His girlfriend later called 911 when her condition deteriorated and she was rescued by helicopter, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Extreme high temperatures that gripped California for more than a week began to ease Saturday, Sept. 10.

This story was originally published September 11, 2022 at 10:28 AM with the headline "Hiker who left heat-stricken girlfriend for help found dead, California officials say."