Body of California man found near hiking trail in Joshua Tree National Park, rangers say
The body of a California man was found in Joshua Tree National Park, rangers said.
Park rangers found the 35-year-old San Diego man dead near a hiking trail on Monday, Jan. 17, the National Park Service said.
The man was at the base of Sentinel Wall near Hidden Valley Nature Trail. The trail is a popular and easy 1-mile loop on dirt and rocks, according to the National Park Service.
“Responding agencies were Morongo Basin Paramedics, and Riverside County,” park officials said in a Jan. 19 news release. “An interagency investigation is ongoing, led by Riverside County Coroner’s Office. Once the investigation is complete more details will be released.”
The Riverside County Coroner’s Office identified the man as 35-year-old Michael Spitz. He was a Spanish teacher at Santa Fe Christian Schools, according to the school.
The school reported Spitz died in a climbing accident. Park officials have not said what led to his death.
“Spitz’s passion for the Lord was infectious and came out in every conversation,” school leaders said on Facebook. “This, combined with a love for the kids, made us a better school.”
Spitz loved the outdoors and was a life-long surfer and climber, according to the school.
Joshua Tree encompasses 800,000 acres of desert land and has few facilities within the park. The weather can change quickly, and there is no cell service in the park.
“Though beautiful, the desert environment can be harsh and unforgiving,” park officials said. “Preparedness is critical for your safety.”
Over the summer of 2021, at least two hikers died in Joshua Tree within 30 days, according to McClatchy News. The body of a 20-year-old Oceanside man was found after he was missing for nine days in May.
In June, a body was found during the search for a 38-year-old man from Twentynine Palms.
This story was originally published January 19, 2022 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Body of California man found near hiking trail in Joshua Tree National Park, rangers say."