How Jay Leno Was Involved in Case of Missing Hiker Found After 30 Hours in Forest

Jay Leno found himself in the middle of a police search for a missing hiker while out for a drive with friends in the mountains near Los Angeles.

Ki Soo Yang, 78, was found alive and safe Aug. 19 after spending 30 hours in the Angeles National Forest. He was reported missing two days prior, after he became separated from his group while hiking on Mount Waterman, part of the San Gabriel Mountains, located near California State Route 2.

"We found our missing person," read a message posted on Facebook page of the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team, a volunteer unit of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, "and ran into Jay Leno along the way!"

The group said Yang, who they described as "a very fit, experienced, and prepared 78-year-old hiker," had embarked with a group on a hike to the mountain's summit. "His party returned to the parking lot," they said, "only to discover he wasn't with them."

The search and rescue unit said amid their search for Yang, they ended up at Newcomb's Ranch, "which just so happened to be where Jay and his friends rendezvoused for a drive."

"Unfortunately, they hadn’t seen our missing hiker," read the post, which included a pic of the comedian—an avid car collector—posing with the volunteers, "but they were grateful for our efforts."

"After about 8 hours of hiking and some help from some local hikers, we found Mr. Yang in good health but dehydrated," the message continued. "After 30 hours in the Angeles National Forest, Mr. Yang was airlifted to safety and reunited with his family. This is why we volunteer."

The Montrose Search and Rescue Team, another LASD volunteer unit, said in their own statement that Yang was found after a good Samaritan "encountered him in the saddle between Mount Waterman and Twin Peaks" and called the police.

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in the search, especially the good Samaritan whose quick thinking and action played a critical role in this rescue," the group said. "This outcome is a powerful reminder of how important our hiking community members are in helping us achieve successful missions. Without your vigilance and willingness to assist, this save might not have been possible."