By Gina Yarbrough
Julian, CA–The body of a missing hiker was recovered underwater in the middle pool of Three Sisters Falls Monday afternoon in Julian, authorities said.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, this was the same location where the 27-year-old hiker was last seen on June 16.
Volunteer divers with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Unit found the body just before 1:30 p.m. near the falls.
For four days, deputies with the Alpine Sheriff’s Station, Julian Sheriff’s Substation, Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter, Cal Fire, and U.S. Forest Service continuously searched for the man.
The water current was too dangerous for divers to attempt a search underwater until today.
The body was turned over to the Medical Examiner’s Office just before 4 p.m. at the trailhead. The identification of the man will not be released pending notification of his family.
A Sheriff’s family liaison lieutenant, a Sheriff’s chaplain, and representatives with Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego have been provided to the family.
The incident is under investigation.
The U.S. Forest Service has reopened Three Sisters Falls.
The Sheriff’s Department says the trail at Three Sisters Falls is extremely strenuous, and it is not for beginners.