Search resumes for couple missing in Joshua Tree desert park

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. – Authorities are scouring the desert for a Southern California couple who vanished last week while hiking in Joshua Tree National Park.

Park officials say the search resumed Tuesday.

Rachel Nguyen (pronounced Win) and Joseph Orbeso, who are in their 20s, were reported missing last Friday after they failed to check out of their accommodations near the park.

Authorities say a ping from Orbeso’s cellphone was recorded Thursday afternoon in the park. The couple’s car was later found at the Maze Loop trail in the northwestern area of the park. The trail has been closed.

Temperatures in the park have topped 100 degrees and it’s unclear whether the couple had water and supplies with them.

Dozens of searchers, aided by dogs and helicopters, have been trying to find the couple.