Missing firefighter Mike Herdman's death ruled an accident

LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. (KABC) -- Mike Herdman, the Arcadia firefighter whose body was found in the Los Padres National Forest after he went missing during a camping trip, died of "blunt force injuries," and his death has been ruled an accident, according to the Ventura County coroner.

The firefighter had been missing for two weeks before his body was found last Friday. Herdman was found about three-quarters of a mile and about 1,200 feet above the Sespe River bottom, where he was last seen. There was no indication of foul play, according to the sheriff's department. The location of Herdman's body was below a cliff.

Herdman went missing on June 13 during a camping trip. He reportedly went after his dog in the dark, barefoot, wearing only a T-shirt and shorts. It took his camping partner two days to find cellphone service and call for help.

Herdman's dog "Duke" was seen at least twice during massive searches of the area for Herdman. The dog was found again and safely retrieved on June 22.

Herdman, 36, was from Dana Point. He was an avid outdoorsman and trained paramedic. He is survived by his wife and young daughter.