Two Safe After a Night in Forest

Two snowboarders spent the night hiking together through the snowy Angeles National Forest after separately straying off ski trails and happening upon each other, according to rescuers who found them Tuesday.

Byron Hoon, 38, of Fontana was found at 11:42 a.m. and Jeremeah Goike, 30, of Riverside was found about an hour later. Both were cold, wet and dehydrated but declined medical attention, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Diane Hecht.

They were found about three miles south of the trails at the Mountain High ski resort, which is just south of Wrightwood.

Search and rescue teams were sent about 1:30 a.m. after Hoon’s family called the Sheriff’s Department and Hoon’s truck was found in the parking lot. An hour later, teams began searching for Goike, who by then also had been reported missing, Hecht said.

Both were ticketed for skiing in an area posted as out of bounds, which carries a $250 fine. Hoon said he veered off course accidentally.

“I followed these guys up this run. They turned and went down before I did, and before I knew it I was way out of range,” he said. “The terrain was so steep over there, I couldn’t get back up.”

Hoon said he soon ran into Goike, and they walked along a creek all night, resting only briefly. Just before they were found, Goike had hiked up a ridge to see if he could get a better view of where they were and the two became separated, Hoon said.

Helicopter crews saw tracks and a snowboard and directed ground crews, who found the men.

“Our family is so grateful to all the people who came out to help with the rescue and to the people who spent the evening looking for them,” said Hoon’s wife, Linda, 36.

Hoon said he would happily pay the fine. “All the time and energy that was put into finding me ... I’m thankful for my life.” Next time, he said, “I’ll stay right where I’m supposed to be.”