The death of a California firefighter who went missing during a mountain camping trip has been ruled accidental and caused by "blunt force" injuries, according to the Ventura County medical examiner.
Arcadia firefighter Mike Herdman, 36, disappeared Friday, June 13 during a camping trip in the Los Padres National Forest near Fillmore with a friend and fellow firefighter. His body was found Friday, June 27 less than a mile from where he was last seen. His body was found on a cliff above the Sespe River in rugged terrain.
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Investigators said there were no signs of foul play. They theorized that Herdman, last seen chasing after his dog, might have fallen off a cliff.
His dog ran away from the campsite on the night of June 13. A barefoot Herdman gave chase, wearing only a t-shirt and shorts. He was reported missing after his friend hiked for two days out of the remote area. The dog, Duke, was found June 23 in a parking lot where Herdman -- an experienced outdoorsman -- parked his vehicle.
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Nearly 90 searchers were in the 50-square mile search area at one point. They were assisted by flight crews and two drones.