Two bodies found by hikers in Joshua Tree National Park

Oct 16, 2017
2 min read

According to a news release published by Joshua Tree National Park on Facebook this morning (at approximately 7 a.m.), hikers found two bodies in the park this past Sunday morning. A television news report has reported that the bodies are likely to be of the couple missing from Orange County since July. The couple is Rachel Nguyen, 20, and Joseph Orbeso, 21, of Westminster.

The national park's brief statement reads:

On Sunday, October 15, 2017 at approximately 11:30 a.m., hikers discovered two bodies in a remote region of Joshua Tree National Park. Park rangers, Joshua Tree Search and Rescue, and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department have responded.

The bodies will be transferred to the San Bernardino County Coroner.

More information will follow as it becomes available.

Joshua Tree Search and Rescue has confirmed the father of Joseph Orbeso was with JOSAR team members when the bodies were found. Their initial statement: JOSAR found two bodies in the National Park yesterday on the north side of the Maze Trail system. They were found in a rugged canyon with boulders (towards highway 62 direction) and down from the Maze. The father of the boy was with JOSAR when they were found. As was mentioned a couple months ago, when others ended the search, JOSAR continues its searching in conjunction with our weekly trainings.

The initial television report is HERE.

Our full coverage of the missing couple is HERE.

We will have additional information as we obtain it.

Update: Tuesday, October 17:

Reports have stated the couple was found embracing each other in death. We have no verification of that claim at this time. Joshua Tree National Park has not released a formal press release regarding this matter as of this morning, and has not responded to our request for additional information made yesterday. It does not appear that the county coroner has released results of their autopsies or identification of the bodies as of this morning.

Photos courtesy of Joshua Tree Search & Rescue.