Hiker dies on Holbrook Canyon outing near Bountiful
Stock Photo
Police car lights
BOUNTIFUL — A hiker died Saturday after being reported missing in Holbrook Canyon, Davis County authorities said.
The man, 58, was overdue and his spouse called police at about 7:30 p.m., and the Davis County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team launched a search, Stephanie Dinsmore, sheriff's spokesperson, said Monday.
Tracking the man by a GPS device he carried, searchers found him near the canyon trail. He was unconscious and breathing, but he died before a medical helicopter could arrive, Dinsmore said.
The rescue team brought his body down on the trail and the state medical examiner will determine the cause of death, she said. There apparently were no visible signs of injury and there was no reported suspicion of foul play, she said.
He remains one of 13 people to vanish from the 750,000-acre park, with 31-year-old Joel Thomazin most recently disappearing in the park in September this year.
Richard Judd, 72, also went missing while hiking in the park earlier in the year, while 20-year-old medical student Dikran Knadjian vanished almost 50 years ago after asking for directions to Half Dome on July 24, 1972.
Irishman who disappeared without a trace 20 years ago in Yosemite Park
Kieran Burke was 44 when he traveled alone to San Francisco for a two-week holiday in April 2000.
13 people remain missing after disappearing in Yosemite National Park over the past 50 years. Getty
A Dubliner who disappeared without a trace in Yosemite National Park more than 20 years ago is one of 13 people to have vanished in the California park never to be seen again.
Kieran Burke, from Rathfarnham in County Dublin, was 44 when he traveled alone to San Francisco for a two-week holiday in April 2000.
He booked a room near the park between April 4-6 and was last seen in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village on Wednesday, April 5, 2000.
His rental car was left unattended in the Curry Village parking lot and park staff notified the authorities when he failed to check out of his accommodation on April 6.
Burke, who is described as 6 ft tall and weighing 180 pounds, left his accommodation for a day hike on April 5. He was wearing a brown leather jacket and was described by family members as an experienced hiker and photographer who had previously hiked in the Himalayas.
National Park Service.
Search and rescue workers combed the huge national park, which is roughly the same size as Rhode Island, for weeks following Burke's disapperance.
His brother Lorcan also flew to San Francisco to join the search.
However, a spokesperson for the park told reporters that there are over 800 miles of trails in Yosemite and that it would be almost impossible to find the missing Dubliner without the public's help.
The spokesperson called on anyone who may have inadvertently photographed or videotaped the Dubliner to come forward and aid search and recovery operations.
However, no one has ever come forward with any credible information that could potentially lead to Burke's discovery and he remains missing to this day. Authorities believe that he either got lost or injured while walking along a trail in the park.
Joel Thomazin, a U.S. Army reservist and Denair, Calif. resident, was declared missing in Yosemite National Park on Sept. 11, 2021. Family scheduled a Dec. 4 memorial service for him in Turlock. Courtesy of Kelly Schwartz
Two months since Yosemite National Park declared Denair resident Joel Thomazin missing, his father continues to search for him off hiking trails while rangers also look out for the 31-year-old Army reservist.
Steven Thomazin believes his son is alive, but said he plans to attend a Turlock memorial service scheduled by his daughter-in-law.
"I still have some hope and I keep going out even if there isn't because I need to find his body so that she can have closure," Thomazin said Thursday. "We are people of faith and we believe that God is in control. Until God lets us know some way or another he is no longer alive, we will believe there is some chance."
Thomazin, 58, said he and his wife living in Sonora are trying to respect how their daughter-in-law needs to proceed with her life. Since Yosemite National Park declared her husband missing on Sept. 11, two days after he was due to complete a solo hike, Amanda Thomazin has declined to speak to The Bee. Eleven agencies from as far as Butte County helped with the search, which included efforts by boat and off-road vehicle.
In October, Yosemite reduced search efforts to limited continuous mode, meaning rangers still look for him, but with fewer resources, park spokesman Scott Gediman said in an email Thursday.
Because of how long Thomazin has been missing, many people believe he died, Danielle Marty wrote on a GoFundMe page. Marty, Amanda Thomazin's sister, added the family cannot collect life insurance because he is still a missing person.
"The goal of this fundraiser is to alleviate the financial stress placed on Amanda by raising enough to cover monthly expenses (bills, small necessities, groceries) for a year," Marty wrote. "Any amount is helpful because it all adds up. Financial support means Amanda can focus on healing and raising their two-year-old son, Titus."
A memorial service is set for Dec. 4 at Monte Vista Chapel in Turlock, Steven Thomazin said. Even so, he searched for his son as recently as Wednesday, when he hiked 11 miles with a group to Gravel Pit Lake. Thomazin has lost count of how many days he has personally searched, but said he has made more than 16 trips in the past two months.
Father shares Yosemite search details
The park service has thoroughly searched Yosemite, but Thomazin said the limited efforts now focus on trails. His son probably went off trail because of his military background and familiarity with the area. Yosemite is like his and his son's backyard, Thomazin said, adding it is not odd for people from the area to hike solo.
Yosemite Search and Rescue has tried contacting everyone who had a permit for the northern area of the park in early September, Thomazin said. He has also posted flyers about his son along Highways 108 and 395.
Thomazin last spoke to his son by phone less than a week before the park declared him missing. His son's best friend recently died from a heart attack, but Thomazin said Joel was in a good mental state. When another close friend died 10 years ago in a fishing accident, Thomazin said Joel also went backpacking to clear his head.
"He was looking forward to going out to go seek God and talk to God (in Yosemite)," Thomazin said. "From his history of doing that before when one of his friends passed away, it wasn't odd. It wasn't out of character and it wasn't out of depression."
Joel Thomazin planned to hike from Hetch Hetchy on Sept. 6, fish in the Lake Eleanor area, and return on Sept. 9, the park said in a Facebook post. The park described him as 5 feet, 10 inches, with buzz-cut brown hair. He had a Kelty brand yellow and gray backpack, a green sleeping bag, a blue/green hammock, tan or blue zip-off pants and a bright red inflatable kayak.
Anyone who finds one of these items in the area can contact Yosemite Search and Rescue at yosemite.search.rescue@gmail.com or 209-238-7046.
This story was originally published November 23, 2021 5:00 AM.
Kristin Lam is an accountability reporter for The Modesto Bee covering Turlock, Patterson and Ceres. She previously worked for USA TODAY as a breaking news reporter and graduated with a journalism degree from San Jose State.
According to authorities, a male hiker had hiked up the west ridge near Lisa Falls then descended down a ledge, with the assumption it would lead to the falls. However, the hiker became stuck and didn't feel like he could make it back up the steep, wet rock.
As a result, the stranded hiker down and called for assistance.
Once on scene, search and rescue set up a rope system above the hiker, and were able to lower a single individual down to get the man.
After being examined for any injuries, the hiker was put in a harness with a helmet. He was lowered to the ground, and hiked out to the command post at the trailhead.
The rescue took a little less than three hours.
Jason @BeardedOverland www.beardedadv.blogspot.com
According to authorities, a male hiker had hiked up the west ridge near Lisa Falls then descended down a ledge, with the assumption it would lead to the falls. However, the hiker became stuck and didn't feel like he could make it back up the steep, wet rock.
As a result, the stranded hiker down and called for assistance.
Once on scene, search and rescue set up a rope system above the hiker, and were able to lower a single individual down to get the man.
After being examined for any injuries, the hiker was put in a harness with a helmet. He was lowered to the ground, and hiked out to the command post at the trailhead.
The rescue took a little less than three hours.
Jason @BeardedOverland www.beardedadv.blogspot.com
PENDLETON COUNTY, W.Va. (WHSV) - It's been over eight months since hiker Cassie Sheetz went missing at Spruce Knob in Pendleton County, West Virginia, and her family is still looking for answers.
"I miss her. I think we're trying to be as strong as we can and as hopeful as we can, but that hope is starting to run a little bit thin," said Arlene Howard, Cassie's mother.
Over a month ago, the family's search for answers led to contract the services of Philadelphia based private investigator Kevin Ryan.
"Everybody assumes that six, eight months there's nothing, that she's deceased. I don't believe that. The evidence doesn't take us there. There's been no evidence to show that she is deceased, but it is something that's in the back of our minds," said Kevin Ryan.
Ryan has been a private investigator for over 20 years and has focused on missing person's cases since 2012. He said he's been in touch with West Virginia State Police and is hoping to find something they missed.
"In cases like this where time has gone by re-interviewing people, re-examining places they've been in or where they've been seen on camera, things of that nature, that's how you keep these cases moving," said Ryan.
State Police have stopped searching Spruce Knob and have not given any new updates on the case. Ryan said police told him they've done everything they can. He has made efforts to get the FBI involved in the search.
"There is a lot more that can be done. For whatever reason, there's a difference of opinion here, but this girl is missing. She deserves a voice and this family needs resolution," he said.
As Cassie's family prepares for their first holiday season without her, they are hoping Ryan's investigation can bring them some closure.
"She's got three kids. They need their mom. She's got sisters and brothers, she's got a mother, a father, grandparents, aunts, uncles. We're all worried sick. We just need to know something," said Arlene Howard.
Ryan said his investigation is coming along. He's been trying to focus on the days leading up to March 11, when Cassie went missing.
"What went on leading up to that day, her actions, her mental state, jobs, people she was hanging out with, things of that nature that could lead us to possibly what happened and why we're where we are today," he said.
During his investigation, Ryan has been looking into possible locations of interest outside of Spruce Knob, and he thinks he may have found two that will help his investigation.
"I've developed two other places of search, but I need to get the information together and get everything packaged up before we put boots on the ground. It's easy just to put boots on the ground, start searching and you come up with nothing. I don't want to do that," he said.
Ryan hopes to get enough information together to bring a search party to the area before the end of the year. While he primarily works alone, he said he will be able to put together a search party of 200-300 people.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Cassie Sheetz should contact West Virginia State Police or Investigator Kevin Ryan at (803) 993-8477.
Copyright 2021 WHSV. All rights reserved.
Jason @BeardedOverland www.beardedadv.blogspot.com
'Elderly Male' Hiker Possibly Lost for Days Rescued: LA Fire
PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif.—An "elderly male" hiker who may have been lost for days in the hills of Pacific Palisades was found today and brought to a hospital for examination, authorities said.
Firefighters were sent to the 1500 block of North Lachman Lane about 10:40 a.m., according to Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
"Firefighters have located a lost elderly male in the hills of Pacific Palisades," Prange said in a statement.
"He was reportedly lost/missing for days prior. LAFD Air Operations hoisted him from his remote location and transported him to an area hospital for further care."
Follow
Jason @BeardedOverland www.beardedadv.blogspot.com
These 13 people went missing in Yosemite National Park and haven't been seen again
Katie Dowd , SFGATE Nov. 18, 2021
Joel Thomazin, 31, of Denair in Stanislaus County was last seen on Sept. 6, 2021.
Yosemite National Park
With more than 750 miles of trails, Yosemite National Park is a vast, unspoiled wilderness, making it a hiker's dream. But it can quickly become a search-and-rescue nightmare when someone goes missing.
Joel Thomazin, 31, of Denair in Stanislaus County went missing on Sept. 6 on a solo hike in the park. The United States Army reservist planned to hike from Hetch Hetchy to Lake Eleanor, returning Sept. 9. A park ranger saw him on the first day of his hike near a steep section of O'Shaughnesy Dam. That's believed to be the last known sighting of Thomazin.
After months of extensive searching, Thomazin is presumed by his family to have died on that hike. On Dec. 4, his family is planning a memorial service in Turlock, and they're currently raising funds on GoFundMe to help his wife and 2-year-old son.
"Though it's unlikely he is alive, without proof of his whereabouts, Joel is considered a missing person," a post on the GoFundMe explains. "In the state of California, it can take five years to get a death certificate for a missing person which means his wife, Amanda, can't collect on the things normally available to help bridge the gap such as Joel's life insurance, social security, etc."
Sadly, Thomazin is not the only person who has disappeared without a trace in the massive park. The National Park Service keeps track of cold cases on its website, where it lists a number of still-unsolved Yosemite disappearances.
Here are cases the park service is still hoping to close someday:
Richard Judd, 69, was last seen hiking in the park on July 25, 2021. Authorities are seeking the public's help in relocating him.
Courtesy of Yosemite National Park
Richard Judd, 72, went missing on a day hike from Lower Merced Pass Lake to Red Peak Pass on July 25, 2021. He is 5-foot-11 with brown eyes and gray hair and a beard. He reportedly used white trekking poles and a navy blue daypack and was wearing a dark blue shirt and gray hiking pants when he went missing.
Sandra Johnsen Hughes, 54, has been missing in the Sierra National Forest since late June 2020.
Madera County Sheriff's Office
Sandra Johnsen Hughes, 54, has been missing since July 4, 2020. She was camping by herself in the Sierra National Forest when she was involved in a solo vehicle crash. Witnesses who saw her at the crash scene said she refused help. Since the last known sightings of Johnsen-Hughes, her sleeping bag and campsite were found abandoned. Hughes is 5-foot-3 and 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Peter Jackson, 74, went missing on Sept. 17, 2016, in Yosemite National Park.
National Park Service/Handout
Peter Jackson, 74, went missing after texting his son on Sept. 17, 2016, that he was hiking to Yosemite. His campsite was found undisturbed at White Wolf Campground, but no sign of Jackson was found. In 2019, his backpack was discovered between Aspen Valley and Smith Peak. He is 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds, with a gray hair and beard and blue eyes.
George Penca, 30, went missing on June 17, 2011, in Yosemite National Park.
National Park Service/Handout
George Penca, 30, disappeared on a hike with fellow church members on June 17, 2011. According to his hiking companions, he became separated from the group and was last seen at the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. He is 5-foot-10 and 240 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes, and was last seen wearing either a black T-shirt or tank top and gray sweatpants with a white stripe down the leg.
Michael Ficery, 51, went missing on June 21, 2005, in Yosemite National Park.
National Park Service/Handout
Michael Ficery, 51, was believed to be hiking in Tiltill Valley on June 21, 2005, when he went missing. He is 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds with shoulder-length gray hair and was last seen wearing a faded blue T-shirt, olive or khaki shorts and a faded red scarf. He also wears glasses.
Walther H. Reinhard, 66, went missing on Sept. 19, 2002, in Yosemite National Park.
National Park Service/Handout
Walther H. Reinhard, 66, likely went for a hike on the White Wolf Trailhead around Sept. 19, 2002; his car was found at the trailhead a few weeks later. He was 5-foot-8 and 145 pounds with graying hair. It is not known what he was wearing, although he often hiked with a large fanny pack.
Ruthanne Ruppert, 49, went missing on Aug. 14, 2000, in Yosemite National Park.
National Park Service/Handout
Ruthanne Ruppert, 49, was supposed to be going on a backpacking trip on Aug. 14, 2000, but reportedly had to delay it because of an infection. She was last seen either at the Yosemite Medical Clinic or Curry Village that day, and witnesses believe she may have gone on a day hike from Yosemite Falls to Foresta. In 2008, her backpack was found near Fireplace Creek, which is along that route. She is 5-foot-5 and 140 pounds with brown hair and eyes; one of her eyes is a prosthetic.
Kieran Burke, 45, went missing on April 6, 2000, from Yosemite National Park.
National Park Service/Handout
Kieran Burke, 45, was visiting from Dublin, Ireland, on a hiking trip in April 2000. He was discovered missing on April 6, 2000, when park staff noticed he hadn't checked out of his lodging. He was last seen the day before at Curry Village, possibly on his way to hike alone. His family said he was an experienced hiker. He is 6 feet tall and 180 pounds with black hair and blue eyes.
David Paul Morrison, 28, went missing on May 25, 1998, from Yosemite National Park.
National Park Service/Handout
David Paul Morrison, 28, set off from Yosemite Valley to hike Half Dome in the early morning hours of May 25, 1998. He did not return. He is 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds with brown hair and eyes, and was last wearing a gray UCSC sweatshirt, black pants, Nike running shoes and a fanny pack.
Timothy John Barnes, 25, went missing on July 5, 1988, from Yosemite National Park.
National Park Service/Handout
Timothy John Barnes, 25, disappeared on a day hike to Polly Dome Lakes on July 5, 1988. Witnesses last saw him on the Murphy Creek Trailhead around 9 a.m. He is 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds with dark hair and a mustache, and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with a red letter "F" on it, gray sweatpants, white tennis shoes and a yellow daypack.
Stacey Ann Arras, 14, went missing on July 17, 1981, from Yosemite National Park
National Park Service/Handout
Stacey Ann Arras, 14, departed on a four-day camping trip with her father on July 17, 1981. They rode mules with a group of 10 other campers to Sunrise High Sierra Camp. After arriving, Arras wanted to take a short hike to Sunrise Lakes. She departed with a 77-year-old man in their group. The man quickly wearied and took a break while Arras went onward. She was never seen again. She is 5-foot-5 and 120 pounds with blond hair. She left the camp wearing a white windbreaker, maroon-and-white striped shorts and gray hiking boots.
Dikran Knadjian, 20, went missing on July 24, 1972, from Yosemite National Park.
National Park Service/Handout
Dikran Knadjian, 20, was on summer break from Cambridge University in England, where he was a medical school student. He was last seen in Curry Village on July 24, 1972, asking an employee for directions to Half Dome. He is 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds with brown hair and eyes, and was last seen with his Pentax 35mm camera.
We love California's parks just as much as you do, so we have a newsletter that covers them from top to bottom. Sign up here.
Jason @BeardedOverland www.beardedadv.blogspot.com
