The search for a couple who went missing in Joshua Tree on Friday has been suspended.
Rachel Nguyen and 21-year-old Joseph Orbeso. The duo were supposed to check into an Airbnb rental on Friday. When they did not, their host reported them missing to authorities, according to the Hi-Desert Star.
The couple’s car was discovered Friday afternoon about 1.5 miles from the Joshua Tree entrance in the Maze Loop area.
As temps climbed into the triple digits, several search-and-rescue personnel experienced medical issues due to the heat and the search was suspended on Tuesday, reports ABC 7.
The operation has included 16 personnel and 14 dogs and is expected to continue Wednesday morning.
The Maze Loop Trail has been temporarily shut down.
Due to ongoing Search & Rescue efforts, #JTNP Superintendent Smith has issued temp closure of Maze Loop Trail for visitor and staff safety.
— Joshua Tree NPS (@JoshuaTreeNPS) August 1, 2017
The temporary closure will be lifted as soon as the missing parties are found.
— Joshua Tree NPS (@JoshuaTreeNPS) August 1, 2017
Anyone with info should call (909) 383-5652.
