Missing Backpacker Found Deceased In Aloha Lake
UPDATE: El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
Laney Griffo, TDT
(SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA) June 29, 2022 — A hiker, Jia Huang, 32, who was reported missing on Tuesday near Aloha Lake was found on Wednesday deceased in a body of water by El Dorado County Search and Rescue.
A Facebook post from his sister, Lai Wong, who reached out to the community via social media asking for help in finding her brother, on Wednesday afternoon confirmed Huang had been found.
“Hi Everyone, I just got a call from the Sheriff. They found his dead body in the lake. Thank you for all your help. I appreciated it,” said the post.
—
Original post
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — A backpacker was reported missing on Tuesday, June 28, after another hiker saw the man’s abandoned campsite near Lake Aloha.
Jia Huang’s started a solo backpacking trip on June 22.
Jia Huang, 32, started a solo backpacking trip from Mt. Tallac on the Tahoe Rim Trail on Wednesday, June 22.
Around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, June 27, a hiker saw Huang’s tent upside down, along with his food canister and backpack. The next morning, around 6:30 a.m., the same hiker said he passed by the campsite again and saw that the tent was still upside down.
Huang’s tent was found on June 27.
The hiker reported the situation to El Dorado County Search and Rescue who opened an investigation.
Huang’s wallet with his ID was found at the campsite and Huang’s sister, Lai Wong, was informed.
The location of Huang’s tent.
Search and rescue officials told the Tribune they are searching bodies of water near where his tent was found, as well as the forest around the area. A helicopter has also been dispatched to look for him.
Huang is 5-feet-6, about 120 pounds with black hair and black eyes.
Cold Water Can Be Dangerous
Warm air doesn’t always mean warm water in lakes, streams or oceans. Fifty five degree water may not sound very cold, but it can be deadly. Plunging into cold water of any temperature becomes dangerous if you aren’t prepared for what the sudden exposure can do to your body and brain. Warm air temperatures can create a false sense of security for boaters and beach goers, so if you are planning to be on or near the water, arrive knowing the conditions and how to protect yourself. Cold water drains body heat up to 4 times faster than cold air. When your body hits cold water, “cold shock” can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. The sudden gasp and rapid breathing alone creates a greater risk of drowning even for confident swimmers in calm waters. In rougher open water this danger increases. Unplanned immersion in cold water can be life-threatening for anyone.