GLENDALE (CNS) - A 37-year-old Glendale woman has been found dead, nearly a week after going for a one-day hike in the Angeles National Forest.
The body of Narineh Avakian was located about 1:30 p.m. Saturday near the Mount Waterman Trail, according to Glendale police.
A preliminary investigation indicated no foul play was involved, police said. The investigation continued with the coroner's office to determine the cause of death.
There was an extensive search for Avakian by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Search and Rescue Team, and search and rescue teams from 17 different counties, police said.
Avakian was reported missing Monday by family members after she left her home about noon on Sunday, March 7, according to Glendale police Sgt. Christian Hauptmann.
“Prior to leaving, Narineh told her family she was going on a one-day hiking trip, but did not provide a location,'' Hauptmann said. “Per the family, it is common for Narineh to go hiking with groups and on solo trips -- though lately she has been going solo.''
Glendale police contacted the woman's hiking groups to distribute missing person flyers, posted a missing person bulletin on social media platforms, and reported that she was driving a Subaru Impreza.
About 3 p.m. Thursday, the vehicle was located parked at the Buckhorn Day Use Area along Angeles Crest Highway, Hauptmann said.
“It should be noted that this area was heavily impacted by the recent snow storm,'' he said.
“Upon locating Narineh's vehicle, search-and-rescue personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department were immediately deployed with a large contingency of sworn and volunteer personnel,'' Hauptmann said. “Their search efforts continued as approximately 12 inches of snow fell overnight; but due to the worsening weather conditions, the search was terminated around 2 a.m. (Friday) morning. A few hours later, the search was able to resume with even more resources.''
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images