Hemet Man Dies While on Hike with Friend

HEMET - A 24-year-old hiker was found dead today on a mountain trail east of Hemet.

Vladislav Lesnik, of Hemet, suddenly became ill around 5 p.m. Thursday while hiking with a male friend in his 20s, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Unable to turn around and go back down the mountainside, Lesnik remained behind while his companion went for help, according to the sheriff's department.

However, because of his unfamiliarity with the terrain, the man could not lead rescuers to the site where he had left Lesnik, and the search was called off until daybreak today.

Members of the county's Mountain Rescue Unit located Lesnik's body around 7:30 a.m. in a remote area near Simpson Park.

An autopsy was pending, but foul play was not suspected.