Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Couple missing for 2 weeks drank rainwater, ate oranges

WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. — An elderly couple stranded for two weeks in the Southern California wilderness ate oranges and pie and drank rainwater, but the husband died before they were found.

San Diego County sheriff's Lt. Kenneth Nelson said Monday that an autopsy will be conducted on 79-year-old Cecil Knutson that could determine when he died.

His wife, 68-year-old Dianna Bedwell, was found Sunday severely dehydrated in their car about 65 miles northeast of San Diego. Trees obscured the car in an off-road area near a Boy Scout camp.

The couple were last seen leaving the Valley View Casino about 25 miles to the west on May 10.

They were going to their son's home outside Palm Springs for a Mother's Day dinner but didn't show up.

Bedwell told authorities they got lost seeking a shortcut.

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