Diablo Canyon hikers found safe after overnight search

Four hikers have been found alive after an overnight search in trails behind the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.

The San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office says two of the men, Todd Wallace and Thomas Baumbauch, were found around 6:10 p.m. Tuesday sitting under a tree. The other two, Ron Jennings and David Root, were found by searchers about an hour later walking along a trail.

One of the hikers, Root, was considered at-risk because he was reportedly suffering from leukemia. During the course of their hike, the men became separated.

Authorities say the men are from Riverside County and began their day hike in Avila Beach on Monday. They became lost and spent the night in the area before trying to hike out on Tuesday. The men were not successful and called 911 on their cellphones. Approximately 50 people helped in the search, including sheriff’s deputies.

The four were not injured but did complain of dehydration.