Search and rescue experts from Montrose, Sierra Madre and San Dimas were called to help find a 31-year-old hiker who went on a day hike in Sequoia National Park Sunday but has yet to return.
Tom Heng of San Rafael was last seen at approximately 13,000 feet near Mount Langley at 1 p.m. Sunday, according to Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. The Inyo County Sheriff’s Department and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are currently conducting a search-and-rescue operation in and around Mount Langley--about 14,042 feet--in the Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Park.
His hiking route was expected to include Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead through New Army Pass to the summit of Mount Langley, with a return to the Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead, officials said.
The Inyo County Sheriff's Department notified Sequoia and Kings National Park of the missing hiker about 5:45 p.m. Monday. By noon Tuesday, Sequoia and Kings National Parks' had 20 people searching and one helicopter. An additional helicopter and related staff from Yosemite National Park also joined the search.
He is described as 6 feet tall, 166 pounds with short black hair. He was last wearing a white t-shirt, blue pants, a tan full-brimmed hat and sunglasses. He was also carrying a black-hooded sweatshirt and wearing size 11 North Face mid-rise hiking shoes.
Heng has a scar from his left ear to the base of his neck and a large scar on his left arm from elbow to wrist.
If you see Heng, please contact the Inyo County Sheriff's Department at 760-878-0383 or Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Dispatch at 559-565-3195.
