Body of missing hiker Karen Dalman believed found in forest

Authorities believe they found the body of a female hiker missing near Baldwin Lake in Big Bear on Saturday.

Officials are working to confirm her identity, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said.

Karen Dalman, 59, of Big Bear, and friend Bruce Jackson, 56, of Erwin Lake, had set off on a day hike together Tuesday morning but became separated after Jackson’s pit bull ran off, authorities said.

Jackson spent two days walking in the woods before he found his way back to his car Thursday and notified authorities that Dalman was missing, authorities said.

Searchers found the body about a mile from where the search began. Investigators are awaiting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

According to KTLA, rescuers found Jackson’s dog Friday afternoon.

“The dog was very agitated when it was located. Probably very hungry but in good overall physical condition,” Tiffany Swantek with the San Bernardino County sheriff’s office said.

Searchers also found Dalman’s purse and a bucket she used to collect rocks.

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