David V. Nguyen

RECORD PENDING DELETION David V. Nguyen was found alive 2 years ago. Out of respect for this person's privacy, Missing NPF will delete this record soon.

Found Alive

San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino National Forest

About David V. Nguyen's case

Primary Source: CBS Los Angeles

According to CBS Los Angeles,

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA) — Equipped with only a paper map, an axe and some patience, an injured hiker survived a fall from the tallest peak in Southern California. An experienced hiker, David Nguyen set out on Saturday morning, March 12, 2022, for a day trip into the snow-capped San Gorgonio Mountain.

But after he tumbled down the slope, he found himself fighting to survive. “I decided to take the chute down and this is when I slipped, a couple of times,” said injured hiker David Nguyen. “I had to use my axe to stop from free falling. Probably about 300 feet the first time and another 400 feet the second time.” Injured, in below-freezing temperatures and without much gear for an overnight stay, Nguyen was forced to hunker down in the mountains and wait out the 50-60 mph winds. In the meantime, worried about the 57-year-old, Nguyen’s family hoped that search and rescue teams set up in the Angelus Oaks could find him.

But once the winds died down, the retired police officer had no trouble using his paper map to make it back to his car at the South Fork trailhead parking lot. “Monday, woke up, perfect temperature and I had my map with me,” Nguyen said. “Just a paper map. So I was able to find my way out.”

Nguyen is grateful for the search and rescue teams and feels blessed to be alive. He is now going to a hospital for treatment.

Personal Characteristics

Age / Ethnicity

Gender / Hair / Eyes

Distinguishing Marks

Not Available

Profession / Education

Not Available

Height / Weight

Activity

Not Available

Points of Interest

POIs

South Fork Trailhead Parking Lot

Last Known Location

Investigative Details

Foul Play Suspected: No
Suicide Suspected: No
Cause of Death: Not Applicable

Significant Dates

Reported Missing: Saturday, March 12, 2022 (2 years ago)
Date Found: Monday, March 14, 2022 (2 years ago)

Entities

San Bernardino County Sherriff's Department

Local Law Enforcement

Administrative Details

Monday, January 8, 2024 (4 months ago)

Missing NPF Public Identification Number (MPID) 10474

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