Hundreds join search for missing O.C. hikers

Hundreds have shown up to search for two Costa Mesa hikers missing in Trabuco Canyon, according to a friend of one of the families.

Kendall Jack, 18, and Nicholas Cendoya, 19, called authorities about 8:25 p.m. Sunday, saying they were lost but that they thought they were about a mile away from their car, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Their cellphone battery apparently ran out after the call.

“We’re just walking and looking for any signs,” said Angela Jackson-Brunning, who is friends with Jack’s mom, Dawn Jack.

Jackson-Brunning says the family is coping right now.

Search and rescue vans full of people have arrived in the area. Dozens of teens — some wearing Estancia High School sweaters and at least one in Costa Mesa High School gear — walked up to the trailhead, while others headed up in SUVs and trucks. Two helicopters circled overhead.

Dawn Jack had sent out a text message to friends Tuesday, seeking help in searching for the two Mesa alums, according to Newport Mesa school board trustee Katrina Foley.

A Facebook page called Costa Mesa Search Party has since been created, with many people posting to coordinate rides to the trailhead.

Hikers familiar with the area say the trail is popular.

As of Monday, authorities were using bloodhounds and air support to search for Jack and Cendoya, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

The Jack family is from the Mesa del Mar neighborhood, Foley said in a message to friends via text. Dawn Jack is also a classified employee at Corona del Mar High School, according to the message.

Cendoya played football and Jack played volleyball when they attended Mesa.

The Sheriff’s Department asked that anyone with information about the whereabouts of the two missing hikers call (714) 647-7000.

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