A software engineer was found dead four days after he disappeared while seeking help for his girlfriend, who suffered heat exhaustion during a hike amid scorching temps in California.
The search for 29-year-old Tim Sgrignoli came to a sad conclusion on Thursday, after his body was found near Trespass Trail and Hwy 101 in Santa Barbara, according to a spokesperson from the sheriff's office. Foul play is not expected at this time and a cause of death is pending.
"Heat is likely a contributing factor," Public Information Officer Raquel Zick said.
Tim Sgrignoli
Temperatures hit 114 degrees on Sunday, the same day Sgrignoli, a software engineer from Ventura, and his girlfriend departed together for a hike in the Gaviota Peak area, a 2,400 foot summit in the Santa Ynez Mountains, according to Scott Safechuck, a spokesman with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. Their trip occurred as a "heat dome" fell over California, blanketing the state in extreme warmth.
At some point during their hike, Sgrignoli's girlfriend started showing signs of heat exhaustion, prompting him to go search for some water. His girlfriend, whose identity has not been released, was rescued Sunday, but it took days for search crews to locate Sgrignoli's body. Their efforts included more than 60 personnel and multiple search dogs as well as drones.