Missing Man Daniel Hernandez Found Alive Along Highway 74 After Weeklong Search

A weeklong search for a missing man in the Coachella Valley ended with relief Tuesday after Daniel Hernandez was found alive along Highway 74 and rescued by helicopter.

Deputies were dispatched to the area near Indian Canyon Trail and Highway 74 after receiving reports of an injured man. Authorities later confirmed the man was Hernandez, who had been reported missing on December 22.

Video from earlier in the day shows Hernandez being hoisted from the rugged terrain by a rescue helicopter. Once the aircraft landed, medics immediately placed him on a stretcher and transported him to a local hospital. Officials say he was in stable condition.

Additional video sent to the NBC Palm Springs newsroom appears to show the moment rescue crews reached Hernandez on the ground. A couple who recorded the footage said they were the first to locate him and alerted authorities.

Hernandez was last seen more than a week ago after walking away from a Santa Rosa Pit Stop along Highway 74. His family says he had been driving with a friend who was later arrested. According to relatives, Hernandez was told he would be taken home by deputies but was instead dropped off at the pit stop without a phone charger.

NBC Palm Springs has reached out to both the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol for clarification on the events surrounding Hernandez’s disappearance but has not yet received clear answers. Officials have redirected inquiries multiple times, and the circumstances of that night remain under investigation.

Hernandez’s older brother, Eric Patino, says the family was overwhelmed with emotion when they learned Daniel had been found.

“They called my mom and said they found him. When I saw all the ambulances, my heart just dropped,” Patino said. “I’m still in shock. I’m just so happy he’s alive.”

Patino later confirmed he was with his brother at the hospital. He says Daniel is dehydrated but stable and has limited memory of what happened during the time he was missing.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Updates will be posted as more information becomes available.

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