Lost Hiker Walks In Darkness To Safety

A Desert Hot Springs man, who got lost while hiking with family members north of the Whitewater Nature Preserve, walked several miles in darkness to safety, a sheriff’s sergeant said today.

Kaliph Chenevert, 30, was reported lost by his family about 8:20 p.m. Sunday in the area north of the preserve, said Sgt. Anthony Williams of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Chenevert, who had minimal hiking experience and wasn’t carrying much water, had been sightseeing with his family when he became separated from them, Williams said.

The Desert Search and Rescue Unit, a bloodhound and a sheriff’s helicopter were dispatched to find the man, the sergeant said.

About 10 p.m., the sheriff’s department received a report of someone knocking on doors in the 11000 block of Cecil Drive in Whitewater. The hiker, who had a sore ankle, had walked several miles in the darkness to seek help in finding his family, he said.

Chenevert declined medical treatment.

The sheriff’s department reminded hikers to dress appropriately, be aware of their surroundings and bring adequate amounts of food and water when trekking through the local wilderness.