Missing California Hiker Found Dead With Dog Still By His Side

The body of a California hiker who had been missing since mid-March was discovered with his loyal but emaciated dog next to him.

Oscar Alejandro Hernandez, 29, was discovered in a remote area of Griffith Park on Thursday night. He was last seen on March 16 by the merry-go-round at the park. 

When first responders located Hernandez, King, his golden retriever, was by his side. The dog was described as tired and hungry but alive. 

Hernandez’s cousin told NBC Los Angeles that the loyal dog never left his owner’s side. 

The outlet shared a video of the pup in the back of a pickup truck after being found. 

#BREAKING: Body of 29 year old Oscar Hernandez, missing for 16 days, discovered in #GriffithPark. His dog, King, found alive and by his side. pic.twitter.com/9hieZs806u

— Robert Kovacik (@RobertNBCLA) April 1, 2022

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue team used a helicopter to recover Hernandez’s body. No official cause of death has been released and is still under investigation.