Calif. Rescuers Find Hiker Who Was Lost in National Forest for 30 Hours — and Bump into Jay Leno

Mar. 15, 2025

Members of the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team with Jay Leno.Photo:San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team/Facebook

San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team/Facebook

A California search and rescue team got more than they bargained for when they foundJay Lenowhile looking for a missing hiker!

“We found our missing person — and ran into Jay Leno along the way!,” theSan Dimas Mountain Rescue Teamwrote in a Facebook post on Monday, Aug. 19.

The organization shared several photos from the rescue mission, one of which included a shot of the 74-year-old comedian posing for a group photo with some of the first responders, who were decked out in full gear — including protective helmets.

According to the rescue team, they ran into the star while looking for a “very fit, experienced, and prepared 78-year-old hiker” named “Mr. Yang,” who was reported missing on Saturday, Aug. 17.

TheLASD - Montrose Search and Rescue Teamidentified the hiker as Ki Soo Yang.

“For nearly 12 hours they hiked - practically everywhere - and found nothing,” authorities wrote, noting that they also called the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team to help.

Members of the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team search for a missing hiker.San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team/Facebook

The next morning, the rescue team was “ready and waiting” along with a number additional resources, including search dogs

“After we completed our first assignment, we landed at Newcomb’s Ranch, which just so happened to be where Jay and his friends rendezvoused for a drive,” they wrote. “Unfortunately, they hadn’t seen our missing hiker but they were grateful for our efforts.”

A representative for Leno did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for additional comment.

Fortunately, about eight hours later, “and some help from some local hikers,” the search and rescue teams had a stroke of luck.

“We found Mr. Yang in good health but dehydrated,” their Facebook post said. “After 30 hours in the Angeles National Forest, Mr. Yang was airlifted to safety and reunited with his family.”

Per the LASD - Montrose Search and Rescue Team, they were able to zero in on Yang’s whereabouts after a good Samaritan who sawa flyerat their command post recalled seeing Yang in the saddle between Mount Waterman and Twin Peaks.

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The individual immediately contacted the Crescenta Valley Station to notify them of the sighting.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in the search, especially the good Samaritan whose quick thinking and action played a critical role in this rescue,” the SAR team said.

Officials added, “This outcome is a powerful reminder of how important our hiking community members are in helping us achieve successful missions. Without your vigilance and willingness to assist, this save might not have been possible.”

source: people.com