50-year-old hiker found dead along Hemet trail

HEMET - A 50-year-old man was found dead along a hiking trail in east Hemet today, according to the sheriff's department.

Dean Hockersmith was found about 12:30 a.m. on a trail near Ramona Bowl Road after deputies got a report of a missing person about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said.

An autopsy will determine the cause of death. Sheriff's Sgt. Steve Mike told City News Service that Hockersmith went on a walk with his dog but he never returned.

Hockersmith was known for hiking trails in the area, another sheriff's sergeant said.