Nonprofit founder reacts after body found in search of missing hiker

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Grief and sadness.

That's unmistakable as tears flowed from the eyes of those in the Hilltop Community Park parking lot Monday morning.

“Right now, I'm having a hard time processing information,” said Jimmy Thai, founder of Build A School Foundation.

Many were on the phone to let people know this information; San Diego police said a body believed to be that of a 50-year-old woman, Diem Nguyen, who went missing during a group hike on Black Mountain, has been found.

“It’s really hard for me [to] say anything. But our thoughts are with Diem’s family, his sister, his children and his nephews,” Thai said.

Thai told 10News his nonprofit organized the hike and he didn't know Nguyen well.

But he said they haven't left Nguyen's sister since she disappeared.

“But we were very close to her. We're trying to be a comfort, you know, to her in this difficult time. But that’s all I know because it’s the first time I’ve seen them all,” Thai said.

Thai, who said her nonprofit organized the hike, said they regularly do fundraising hikes like these, which include safety briefings, hikes and the trail marking and sweepers checking for the last person off the trail.

“I have to say that in the eight-year history of Build A School Foundation, with 154 projects that we have built in nine countries, this is probably the saddest moment of my life,” Thai said.