VENTURA, Calif. – California sheriff’s deputies found the body of a missing hiker who went to get help after his girlfriend suffered from heat exhaustion.
Tim Sgrignoli, 29, of Ventura, had gone hiking Sunday afternoon with his girlfriend in the area of Gaviota Peak in Santa Barbara County on Sunday. He left his girlfriend with his phone and water to go search for help after she began suffering symptoms of heat exhaustion.
The discovery happened Thursday morning after a nearly four-day search.
A widespread search effort began Sunday afternoon after his girlfriend was rescued and taken to a nearby fire station for treatment. The search continued throughout the week with assistance from several nearby agencies.
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The couple had been hiking in the mountainous area Sunday afternoon as temperatures hit 114 degrees, said Santa Barbara County Fire Department Capt. Scott Safechuck earlier this week. The pair had apparently gone up a dirt U.S. Forest Service road and were planning a loop down Trespass Trail, he said.
At 9:29 a.m. Thursday, Sgrignoli’s remains were found between Trespass Trail and Highway 101. The cause and manner of his death remain pending, but deputies in Santa Barbara County suspect heat to be a factor.
No foul play is suspected.