Missing Canadian hiker who was found dead Feb. 28 close to the Borrego Palm Canyon trail, has been officially identified as Michael Salan, 64.

Salan's bike was seen parked up at the visitors centre for days, prior to a missing report being filed. It was only when other hikers failed to see Salan at pre-arranged hikes, that the alert was sounded. Some residents described him as a loner who liked to camp by himself, however he was a well known and popular figure in town having spent several winters camping in Borrego.

Rangers believe Salan may have suffered a medical problem, the cause of death has not yet been determined by the county Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities estimated he may have died 10 to 14 days before his body was spotted by other hikers.