An elderly couple who were last seen at the casino owned by the San Pasqual Band of Mission
Indians in California were found on a nearby reservation after a two-week search.
Cecil Knutson, 79, and Dianna Bedwell, 68, left the Valley View Casino on May 10, Mother's Day. They were on their way to their son's home when they apparently got lost and ended up on the reservation of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians, about 42 miles from the San Pasqual facility.
Bedwell was found severely dehydrated and was airlifted to an area hospital, according to news reports. Knutson died sometime during the ordeal.
The Los Coyotes Reservation is in a rural area of San Diego County. Bedwell and Knutson were found near a Boy Scout camp in a mountainous and forested area of the reservation.
"There was cups around. They were drinking rain water as it rained and they've been out there for all indications since around May 10th," Los Coyotes Police Chief Dave Sossaman told KABC.
KESQ posted a statement from Chairman Shane Chapparosa. It follows:
On behalf of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Cecil Knutsen. I would also like to send our heartfelt wishes for a speedy and full recovery of Dianne Bedwel.
We are a relatively small Tribe and members of the Tribe consider themselves family with all members. When we lose one of our own, it is felt by all.
As such, we sympathize with the family of Cecil and Diane.
Our Police Department stands by to assist the family in visiting the site as needed and the recovery of personal effects when they are able.
Again, well wishes for Diane's recovery.
Get the Story:
Couple missing 2 weeks drank rain, ate oranges and pie
(The Riverside Press-Enterprise 5/26)
Only one survivor of lost couple's 2 week ordeal
(The San Diego Union-Tribune 5/25)
How Couple Missing for 2 Weeks Tried to Survive
(AP 5/25)
Missing O.C. Couple Found in Rural San Diego County; Man Dead, Woman Airlifted to Hospital
(KTLA 5/24)
Missing Fullerton couple found on Indian reservation; husband dead
(KABC 5/24)
New details released about missing couple found 2 weeks later in remote campground
(KESQ 5/24)