Missing hiker rescued by sheriff's helicopter team after 5-day ordeal in Angeles National Forest

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST (KABC) -- A 58-year-old hiker who spent five days lost in a remote area of the Angeles National Forest was airlifted to safety Wednesday, culminating a massive search effort, authorities said.

George David Null was reported missing Saturday -- he had last been seen that morning in Pasadena -- and his vehicle was found the following day in an unspecified area of the forest, according to Deputy Maria Lucero of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
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When he was reported missing, sheriff's officials said he was believed to have been headed for the Mount Waterman area.

The department's Special Enforcement Bureau announced at about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday that Null had been found in a remote area of the forest and posted a photo on Twitter of the smiling hiker alongside a helicopter pilot, saying Null was "happy to be safe."
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In the photo, Null's face is covered with apparent dirt and grime after his five-day ordeal. Another image shows him smiling along with the rescue team in front of the helicopter after it landed.

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The Sheriff's Department also released a brief video that shows Null being hoisted by cable into the aircraft.

City News Service contributed to this report.