A body found in Big Bear over the weekend was tentatively identified on Monday as 59-year-old Karen Dalman who went missing last week while on a hike with a friend, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.
A body was found in steep, rough terrain on Saturday near Baldwin Lake.
On Friday, Dalman's son told NBC4 that he didn't understand why his mother would go hiking, because she never went hiking.
He said she had various health problems that prevented her from walking long distances.
According to sheriffs investigators, Dalman was with a man named Bruce Jackson when they went for a hike on Tuesday.
A former neighbor says the two had been dating for years.
Jackson told authorities that his dog got loose during the hike and he lost sight of Dalman.
He was lost for two days before finding his way back on Thursday, but Dalman remained missing.
Former neighbor Bob Mark has known the couple for years, and says Jackson is a nice guy and he seemed to have a good relationship with Dalman.
He also doesn't understand how the two got lost, in part because you can see Highway 18 snaking down the mountain.
"He was up here a long time, knew the mountain,” Mark said. “He was familiar with the area, knew all about camping and what to take with you. It seems unlikely he'd get lost for two days."
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Jackson's dog was eventually found in Cactus Flats about six miles down the mountain from where the body was found.
Dalman's purse, along with a bucket and nearly empty bottle of water were also found in that area.
Investigators said on Friday that they did not suspect foul play. When contacted Monday for an update, investigators said they do not plan to provide details on the case until the body is positively identified.
NBC4 has not been able to contact Jackson.
