Authorities in Ventura County, southern California, have recovered the body of a 22-year-old man who went missing last week while hiking in Boney Peak.
“His death appears accidental,” according to the sheriff’s office, which noted that there’s currently “no evidence of crime or foul play.”
Officials said Zernik’s cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner following an autopsy.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones,” police said.
Search efforts began after his vehicle was located at the Wendy/Potrero trailhead on Wednesday, the announcement reads. His remains were discovered the next day.
Authorities were able to narrow their search area thanks to a photo the missing hiker had sent to his friends on Jan. 28, Paris told the Ventura County Star. The picture showed Zernik atop a rock in rugged terrain, and the metadata on the image included the GPS location where it was taken.
Paris’s son attended the same class as Zernik during high school, he told the publication, adding that his son described the 22-year-old as “a great guy” who was always positive.
“The family is extremely grieved,” he said.
Boney Mountain State Wilderness is located within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and includes a number of popular hiking trails. The highest and most prominent mountain in the area is Tri-Peaks, where Zernik’s body was discovered.
Paris advised hikers to always inform relatives and plan trips safely beforehand. Hikers are recommended to always carry essential items, such as a proper amount of food and water, the right shoes, and warm clothes, as temperatures can drop rapidly.
