Hiker found dead next to starving loyal dog who stayed by his side for two weeks

The dead body of a hiker who had been missing for weeks was found next to his loyal dog who refused to leave his side.

Oscar Alejandro Hernandez, 29, had been missing since around 2.30am on Wednesday March 16, according to a missing person report.

He was found dead in the hiking area of Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday March 31, with his dog, who was said to be close to death, next to him.

A firefighter at the scene said he was a "good hike up from the park's merry-go-round".

The grieving, starving dog never left his owner's side, Hernandez's cousin told NBC Los Angeles.

Hernandez's dog, King, was met by the man's family who were at the scene on Thursday. He was tired and hungry, reports KNBC.

Hernandez was last seen near the merry-go-round hiking trails at the park, according to NBC Los Angeles, as indicated by flyers posted by the man's family. The LA Times reported that he was driving a red 2004 Ford Explorer .

Police and park rangers assisted the Los Angeles Fire Department in the recovery at the site. His relatives were also at the scene at the time the body was recovered.

His body was subsequently airlifted by helicopter to Pote Field, a remote baseball field.

NBC News anchor Robert Kovacik shared a video of the dog on Twitter, showing him in the back of a truck on the night Hernandez was found dead

The LAPD have not released a cause of death but Los Angeles Sgt. Ruben Arellano said there was no reason to suspect foul play.

An investigation into Hernandez's death is ongoing, reports KABC.

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