MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (AP) — One of two Southern California teens lost for several days in a rugged mountain wilderness has been released from a hospital after being treated for dehydration and minor injuries.
Nicolas Cendoya says he hallucinated but never gave up hope that he would be rescued during his ordeal that began with a planned short day hike with a friend. The 19-year-old says he knew it "wasn't my time to die," according to KNX Radio.
Cendoya spoke to reporters after leaving Orange County's Mission Hospital on Sunday. He was found late Wednesday after being spotted by hikers in Cleveland National Forest.
His friend, 18-year-old Kyndall Jack, is being treated University of California, Irvine, Medical Center for dehydration and hypothermia. Jack was discovered Thursday clinging to a rocky outcropping near Holy Jim Trail.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.