13-year-old rescued from Mt. San Jacinto

A 13-year-old Orange County boy who became separated from his father and lost his way during a hike in Mount San Jacinto State Park was home safe today.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the teenager was rescued hours after he was reported lost around 3 p.m. Wednesday in the wilderness preserve.

The Cypress boy and his dad, identified as Joshua Shipley, were hiking a trail together when he decided to advance ahead of his father, said sheriff’s Sgt. Don Fortney.

“The father emerged from the trail at the intended destination; his son did not,” Fortney said.

The worried parent called 911, and the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit was mobilized, with volunteers converging on the trail within a couple of hours, according to the sergeant.

Around 6 p.m., rescuers located the 13-year-old roughly a mile from the trailhead, Fortney said. He said the boy was in good health and returned home with his father.

According to the sergeant, the incident highlights the importance of preparedness, including realizing one’s personal limitations, having knowledge of the terrain and carrying adequate supplies of food and water, even for short hikes.