Missing Hiker Found Dead Near Palm Springs Trail

Jun 07,2017

Police found the body of a missing hiker near a trail in Palm Springs Tuesday morning. Michael Kleinschmidt, 68, was reported missing by his ex-wife Monday evening. Kleinschmidt’s ex-wife says he went hiking on the Garstin Trail around 9:30 a.m. Monday and sent her a photo of himself around 12:45 p.m. She did not hear from him after that and reported him missing around 9:30 p.m. According to his ex-wife, Kleinschmidt hikes the area frequently and always brings water with him.

Police began searching for the missing hiker at 10:30 p.m. Monday. They halted the search around 3 a.m. due to poor visibility. They resumed the search around 8 a.m. and located his body a quarter mile from the Garstin trailhead at 11:20 a.m.

Missing Hiker Took to Trails on Triple Digit Heat Day

Authorities are still investigating the cause of death for the elderly hiker. However, temperatures reached 109 degrees Monday afternoon, making heat-related injuries a likely factor.

Despite warnings against hiking in extreme heat, people continue to make the decision to hike during dangerously hot days. Every year, hikers suffer from heat-related injuries on the desert trails. If you decide to hike during the summer months, avoid doing so on days where the heat is excessive. You should also know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and seek help immediately if you experience them.

“We’re sorry to hear that this missing hiker lost his life. Our thoughts are with his loved ones,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.