The roommate of a hiker missing since last month spoke exclusively to NBC 7 after the sheriff's department called off the search for his friend indefinitely.
"The search and see of it is obviously a lot to deal with," said Min Kim, the roommate of missing hiker Chris Sylvia.
Sylvia,28, left Anza Borrego on Feb. 12 to hike the Pacific Crest Trail south to Campo. When he failed to meet up with Kim at a meeting spot on Feb. 17, he reported him missing.
Other hikers on the trail found Sylvia's sleeping bag, backpack and other personal belongings just north of Warner Springs, 13 miles off Highway 79.
Sheriff's deputies and search and rescue teams searched for Sylvia until the weather forced the search to be called off. Now, it has been called off for good.
Christopher's mother, Nancy Sylvia, spoke to NBC 7 Friday and said all five of her children are experienced hikers and she suspects her son's disappearance is foul play.
"Why was he going alone? That is very unusual," Nancy said. "Especially when they found his gear... He would not have left his gear."
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Kim, who has been the most important witness in the mysterious case, said he couldn't speculate on what may have happened to his friend, but he has been fully cooperative with law enforcement.
The sheriff's department said, for now, Sylvia's disappearance is not a criminal investigation.
Kim said he wants his friend to be thought of only in a good way.
"All we can really do is hope he is OK and try to remember as many positive moments as we can with him."
Sylvia is described as 5-feet, 8-inches tall, 155 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen in brown hiking boots, dark colored jacket and green pants.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Diego Sheriff's Department at (858) 565-5200.
