Backpackers found in Kings Canyon National Park

Cathy Perfect/Kern Valley Sun

Adrienne Freeman, of the National Park Service, announced this evening, "The search for Jordan and Jacob Zeman and Lanier Rogers in Kings Canyon National Park concluded successfully on Oct. 15."

Jordan Zeman, 25, his brother Jake Zeman, 23, and their friend, Lanier Rogers, 25, a San Bernardino police officer, were reported missing Monday night, around 10:00 p.m., after they failed to contact family as planned, Freeman said.

The group was spotted by a search helicopter about noon on Oct. 15 above the Roaring River Falls near Cedar Grove. Preliminary contact was made with the group from the helicopter, and all appeared to be in good physical condition.

A short-haul helicopter operation was used to safely extract the hikers who were stranded in steep terrain on a ledge above the river.

The hikers were reunited with their families late Thursday afternoon. Approximately 50 searchers from around the state, including Fresno County, Sierra Madre, and China Lake Search and Rescue participated in the search along with park personnel.