Mother, Son Remain Hospitalized After Ordeal

A mother and son separated and lost for days at the sprawling and rugged Sunshine Canyon Landfill remained hospitalized but in good condition Tuesday, authorities said.

Ngoc Tuy Thi Phan, 39, and her 8-year-old son, Richard, were being treated at separate hospitals for dehydration, exposure, cuts and bruises.

They were apparently stranded before nightfall Friday when their car broke down on a desolate dirt road above Granada Hills, Los Angeles Police Lt. Anthony Alba said.

The boy was discovered about 6:20 a.m. Monday by employees of Browning-Ferris Industries, which owns the landfill. Although his mother instructed him to stay in the car, the youngster told police that he decided to strike out on his own when she did not return.

It was unclear how long he had wandered alone, but it could have been since late Friday, Alba said.

The boy was found covered with mud and dirt, and was bruised, thirsty and hungry. He was being treated at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys and is expected to be released today, hospital spokeswoman Kelley Tarelka said.

More than 80 rescuers, aided by bloodhounds and equestrian units, searched for Phan, who was found at 8:10 p.m. Monday at the bottom of a large canyon covered with dense growth, Alba said.

She was detected by infrared sensors mounted on a sheriff’s rescue helicopter. She was taken out of the canyon by members of the Montrose Search and Rescue Team.

Phan, who has a mental condition and was not taking her prescribed medication, had lost her purse, shoes and other items during her disappearance, Alba said.

She remained under observation Tuesday at Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Granada Hills, where her condition was being evaluated, hospital spokeswoman Tiffany DeVall said.

Because of her mental condition, no charges are expected to be filed against Phan, Alba said.

Family members reported that she left home after an argument with her father.

Richard will be placed in temporary custody with the Los Angeles County Department of Children’s Services, Alba said.