Alan Douglas Visher Missing Since 1962 From a Hike in California's Kings Canyon National Park

Missing Person: Alan Douglas Visher

Details from a government source (might be paraphrased):

Alan Douglas Visher was last seen at approximately 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 18th, 1962, at Dog Creek in Tehipite Valley, Kings Canyon National Park, California, after hiking with a Sierra Club group. He was part of a group of 50 hikers and was noticed missing at 7:00 PM when the group reached Simpson Meadow.

Anyone researching this case should note that his name was spelled "Allen" in a lot of newspaper journalism from the time of his disappearance. You need to research both Alan and Allen for keyword entry.

Last contact: Wednesday, July 18th, 1962, approximately 2:00 PM
Last location: Kings Canyon, California - Dog Creek, Tehipite Valley (area is described as east of Fresno in newspaper article, 18 miles north of Cedar Grove)

July 20, 1962. The Berkeley Gazette.

Age when Alan Douglas Visher disappeared: 12
DOB: Between July 19th, 1949, and July 18th, 1950
Sex: Male
Height in inches: 48–58
Weight in pounds (lbs): 75–100
BMI: 18.3–28.8 - Healthy to overweight based on the data that NamUs gives but the range is huge. In his pictures, he looks lean. Furthermore, hiking is a physical activity and I think that suggests reasonable fitness.
Ethnicity: White / Caucasian
Hair color: Unknown
Eye Color: Unknown
Distinctive Features: No Information Entered
Link to Government Source: NamUs MP148200 (right-click to open)

Clothing Worn When Last Seen

Item	Description	Details	Source
Wide-brim straw hat	Straw hat	Wide-brimmed	NamUs
Shirt	Brownish shirt	No further details	NamUs
Jeans	Blue jeans	No further details	NamUs
Boots	Redwing boots	No further details	NamUs
Backpack	Backpack with sweater and food	No further details	Oakland Tribune, July 23, 1962

Unraveling the Mystery: Key Insights and Updates

By: Shane Lambert
Original time of writing: August 21st, 2025

Alan Douglas Visher, a 12-year-old Caucasian male who vanished on Wednesday, July 18th, 1962, in Kings Canyon National Park, California, was last seen at approximately 2:00 PM that day. He was hiking with a Sierra Club group of 50 people near Dog Creek in Tehipite Valley. A part of a large group that included siblings and his mother, members of the hiking group noticed Alan missing by 7:00 PM when the group reached Simpson Meadow. 

He was last seen wearing a wide-brim straw hat, a brownish shirt, blue jeans, and Redwing boots. He was also carrying a backpack with a sweater and food. Despite a multi-agency search, no trace of Alan was found in the immediate aftermath of his disappearance. Nor has any trace of him turned up in the six decades since his disappearance.

The journalism from 1962 indicates that there was a large search for this missing youth. Rangers, helicopters, mountain climbers, and bloodhounds all assisted in search.

He went missing at an elevation of 6000 feet, meaning his chances of surviving just one night would be complicated. The hiking trip he was on was described as a 10-day trip, meaning the group would have the means to cope with night-time temperatures but Alan did not have much himself when he went missing. The youth had a sweater in his backpack but little more that would offer warmth with temperatures likely to dip to the 30s or 40s in that area (0C-10C) during the night. There was still a search going on as of July 22nd, 1962, but the journalism is pessimistic about his chances of being alive.

July 22nd, 1962. The Press Democrat.

Comparisons: Trenny Gibson and Others

In terms of similar cases, Alan Visher's disappearance reminded me the most of the disappearance of Trenny Gibson. She was a part of a large group hike when she went missing, just as Alan was.

I looked at numerous missing person cases a few years back where hiking was central to the person's disappearance. One of risk factors, of course, is a dangerous trail. Hiking alone is another significant factor and this can include hiking with a group  when the person separates from the group for a short time.

I thought that this must have happened with Alan Visher but scenarios are speculative. Reasons why someone might separate from a group during a hike has to do with pacing and the differences in hiking speed naturally creating separation between group members. Another reason might simply be someone going off trail for a short time to use the washroom.

But the mystery with Alan was that he was not found despite a huge search. That will bring in questions of abduction. This is a connection to the Trenny Gibson case, because abduction has been considered in conjunction with her disappearance despite the difficulties involved with abducting from a large group of hikers. It would be one on-the-spot abductor who is in the middle of a natural area and targets an isolated youth at the perfect time, seemingly with people all over the place.

There were rivers in the area and creeks. People who are known to have entered rivers before disappearing have remained lost for ages. I did wonder if that's what happened to Alan somehow. With little water, he would be dependent on waterflow to stay hydrated once lost and that creates the chance that he was swept away, which could explain why the large search failed.

I also think that missing hikers, who are facing hypothermia at night, put themselves in hiding spots inadvertently. Their main concern during the night would only be trying to stay warm -- not putting themselves in an obvious place to be found. I raised this point with the disappearance of Paula Jean Welden, a long-missing hiker in Vermont.

Furthermore, I watched a survival video years ago, the name of which now escapes me. But it recommended burying yourself in dirt to fight hypothermia during the night, if lost in the woods or a natural area. You can see how such an action could help prolong your struggle against the environment but it could also hide you from the people who are looking for you. If you succumbed to hypothermia after seeking an enclosed area or after burying yourself in foliage, then you would effectively have hidden yourself from your rescuers.

I think this missing person is only found through luck at this point. His Redwing boots are the item most likely to stand the test of time, in my opinion. But anyone finding them might not recognize the relevance unfortunately.

Grok's depiction of Redwing boots from the era and place.

Missing Persons Cases: Recent News (mid-August 2025)

By: Shane Lambert
Original time of writing: August 15th, 2025

Recent News in Missing Persons Cases

Grant Gardner: Ongoing Search in Wyoming’s Wilderness

In Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest, the search for 38-year-old Grant Gardner, a seasoned hiker from Lakeville, Minnesota, continues more than two weeks after he vanished on July 29th, 2025. The case has been covered by several mainstream publishers, including KTVQ (Aug 13th, 2025).

Gardner embarked on a solo hike, one that was originally planned to be multiday. He aimed to go to the Misty Moon Lake area and to summit Cloud Peak, the range’s highest peak at 13,000 feet. He texted his wife, Lauren, on July 29th, confirming he had reached the summit but noted the climb was more taxing than anticipated. That was the last anyone heard from him.

The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office launched a search on August 1st after Gardner failed to return as planned. His vehicle was found at the West Ten Sleep trailhead, and his entry in the hiking log confirmed his planned route. Sheriff Ken Blackburn described the Cloud Peak Wilderness as “deceptively expansive” and “unforgiving,” with boulder fields, crevasses, and high-altitude snow complicating efforts. The phrase "deceptively expansive" could describe an area that looks manageable when surveyed but ends up being a much larger challenge than at first anticipated.

Missing hikers, not to be confused with missing hitchhikers, are commonly covered at this blog. One significant risk factor is hiking alone. But in Gardner’s case, the comment regarding the difficulty of the hike is significant, I think. The effects of fatigue are pervasive and can contribute to a broad array of challenges.

Alec Luhn: A Journalist Found Alive in Norway

In a rare positive outcome, American journalist Alec Luhn was found alive after going missing during a backpacking trip in Norway. Details of his disappearance remain limited, but his safe recovery has brought relief to colleagues and loved ones. CNN is one news agency that has covered his case.

While specifics of Luhn’s ordeal—such as how he became lost or survived—are not widely available, his case serves as a reminder that not all missing persons stories end in tragedy. The factors contributing to his rescue, whether preparation, luck, or swift action by authorities, offer hope and a contrast to the uncertainty surrounding other cases.

Katie Hong: A Teen’s Safe Return in California

In Fremont, California, 16-year-old Katie Hong’s disappearance sparked widespread concern after she went missing following an online encounter. Hong vanished in late July 2025, prompting a two-week search by her family and local law enforcement. Fears of exploitation or foul play loomed large, given the risks associated with online interactions for young people. Fortunately, Hong was found safe on August 12th, though authorities have released few details to protect her privacy.

Her safe return highlights the importance of community vigilance and coordinated police work. The case also underscores the growing dangers of online platforms, where predators can exploit vulnerabilities. Hong’s family endured weeks of anguish, a common thread in missing persons cases, but their relief at her recovery reflects the hope that drives such searches. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for parents and teens navigating the digital landscape.

Giovanni Pelletier: A Tragic End in Florida

Tragically, not all cases end with reunions. Giovanni Pelletier, an 18-year-old from Massachusetts, went missing during a family vacation in Florida in late July 2025. According to posts on X, Pelletier was last seen in the early hours of August 1st after leaving Englewood with cousins.

A distressing “Help” text sent at 1:30 a.m., followed by the discovery of his phone and backpack near Interstate 75, intensified the search. Efforts initially focused on Englewood but later shifted to Manatee County. On August 9th, a body was found in a retention pond and confirmed to be Pelletier’s on August 10th. An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death.

Pelletier’s death has left his family and community devastated. His case illustrates the rapid escalation possible in missing persons incidents and the challenges of coordinating searches across jurisdictions. The “Help” text suggests he was in distress, but the circumstances remain unclear, leaving loved ones grappling with unanswered questions. This tragic outcome underscores the urgency of swift action in such cases.

Brian Douglas Faughnan: Missing in Whistler Since July 2002

Missing Person Fact Sheet: Brian Douglas Faughnan

Name: Brian Douglas Faughnan
Age at Disappearance: 35
Born: June 6th, 1967
Date Missing: July 12th, 2002 (Friday)
Location: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Sex: Male

Ethnicity: Caucasian
Height: 6'0"
Weight: Approximately 185 lbs.
Hair Color: Looks brown/blonde in photo
Eye Color: Not specified; likely wearing glasses (clear or prescription sunglasses)
Distinctive Characteristics: Not noted in provided sources

Clothing and Accessories:

• Possibly wearing a lightweight bright red windbreaker or a darker red jacket.
• Likely wearing shorts, but if wearing pants, possibly Columbia Trekker Convertible Pants in "fossil" color (grey-beige).
• May have been wearing a denim baseball cap, particularly in sun-exposed areas.
• Carrying a yellow 50 L Mountain Equipment Co-Op backpack, possibly with a climbing or ice axe lashed to it.
• Source

Occupation: Aerospace engineer and science fiction screenwriter from Montreal.
Family: Brothers John and Steven Faughnan mentioned.
Government Source: RCMP Reference File 02-4306

Transportation

No vehicle details provided. Brian may have been hitchhiking to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead, as speculated by his family, but no confirmation exists.

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Case Overview

Last Known Location: Brian Douglas Faughnan was last seen leaving the Shoestring Lodge in Whistler mid-morning on Friday, July 12th, 2002, after asking for directions to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead. This sighting was on video footage at 9:57am that morning, according to an online source (Brian Faughnan - Summary).

That makes the lodge his last-known location and it was located at 7124 Nancy Greene Drive. In modern times, that would be near Nester's Market on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The lodge does not appear on Google Maps, to my knowledge, as the intersection only went back to September 2007.

The lodge has been closed for quite a number of years. But it looks like it was a hostel or on the budget-friendly side for sure. I am thinking "Shoestring" might have been a play on "shoestring budget." An article from 2007 in Pique Newsmagazine referenced the closure and budget orientation (Vivian Moreau/July 28th, 2007).

The online source suggested other places are possible areas where Brian was last seen. This included a conversation with a man named Steve, who operated the tour bus that Brian was with. Furthermore, the same article suggests Brian may have gone to a place called Wild Willy's (probably Whistler Village). I think this was a ski shop but for summertime Whistler tourists, maybe it offered services to hikers. There are no definite or confirmed sightings after he left the lodge, to my knowledge, and it’s unknown if he reached the trails.

Comparing Brian Faughnan’s Disappearance to Paula Jean Welden’s Case: History Repeats Itself?

At the heart of Brian Douglas Faughnan’s disappearance in Whistler, British Columbia, in 2002, lies a striking parallel with another missing hiker from across the decades and across the continent. Paula Jean Welden's case shares eerie similarities to Brian's. For readers familiar with Brian’s story, Paula’s case offers a haunting comparison, particularly in their shared dependence on guidance before embarking on their journeys. 

Central to Brian’s last-known activities was his reliance on directions and this shows an apparent disorientation from the outset of his hiking plans. Paula Jean Welden was like this as well and her sustained disappearance for nearly 80 years as of 2025 casts a grim shadow over Brian's case.

Paula Jean Welden was an 18-year-old college student who vanished on December 1st, 1946, while attempting to hike the Long Trail near Glastenbury Mountain, Vermont. Unfamiliar with the area, she relied on directions from others: a man named Lou Knapp dropped her off near Route 9 around 2:45 PM, and another man named Ernie Whitman guided her toward the trail around 4:00 PM, just before sunset.

Like Brian, Paula’s dependence on external guidance highlights a critical vulnerability. Brian needed directions to the Rainbow Mountain trail network and even just The Valley Trail, which runs throughout Whistler. He was lost from the start—not just physically but in his planning. He did not appear ready to tackle a challenging trip in the rugged Coast Mountains, where harsh weather and remote terrain could easily overwhelm a solo hiker.

Both cases also raise the specter of hitchhiking-related disappearances. Paula was known to have hitchhiked the day she disappeared but she survived that part of her day. 

Similarly, Brian’s family speculated he might have been abducted while hitchhiking to a trailhead, given his lack of confirmed transportation after leaving the Shoestring Lodge. While no evidence confirms abduction in either case, the hitchhiking element introduces a shared risk of encountering danger en route.

But, in my opinion, Paula and Brian’s reliance on directions underscores their unfamiliarity with their environments, amplifying the perils of solo hiking. Brian’s apparent disorientation mirrors Paula’s struggle to locate her trailhead, suggesting both were ill-prepared for the challenges ahead. For Brian, this initial confusion paints a bleak picture of his chances in the unforgiving Coast Mountains, much like Paula’s likely fate in Vermont’s frozen wilderness, leaving both cases as enduring mysteries of hikers lost to the unknown.

Brian Douglas Faughnan: Youth Hostel Connections

The "youth hostel" tag does not appear with a lot of missing people on my website. However, I can think of a couple of cases where a missing person's case was associated with one.

Elisa Lam was last seen on footage at the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, which offered hostel-like dorms in some rooms. Also, Angela Hartmann was a backpacker in western Canada who used hostels and has been missing for decades. I think they are a bit riskier to use because the cheaper the place, the bigger the chance is of meeting someone on the clandestine side.

Whistler and Pemberton, BC Mystery: Disappearance of Jonathan Jette and Rachael Bagnall

Missing Persons Report: Jonathan Jette and Rachael Bagnall

Case Overview

Jonathan Jette, age 34, and Rachael Bagnall, age 25, vanished on September 3rd, 2010 (Friday), while hiking in a mountainous region north of Pemberton, British Columbia, near Whistler. The couple, both experienced outdoor enthusiasts, were last seen preparing for a 2-3 day climb in the rugged backcountry of the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Personal Details

• Jonathan Jette
  • Age at Disappearance: 34
  • Physical Description: Approximately 5’8”, slender build, 154 lbs, brown hair (receding), and hazel eyes. Likely dressed in outdoor gear suitable for hiking, including a backpack and sturdy boots.
  • Background: Described as an avid hiker with knowledge of the local terrain, Jette was familiar with Whistler and Pemberton’s trails.
  • Canada's Missing Profile: Jonathan Jette and Rachael Bagnall
• Rachael Bagnall
  • Age at Disappearance: 25
  • Physical Description: Approximately 5’6”, medium build, 146 lbs, blonde curly shoulder-length hair, and blue eyes. Likely wearing hiking attire, possibly including a jacket and outdoor pants.
  • Background: Bagnall was also an experienced hiker, often exploring the backcountry with Jette. The couple shared a passion for outdoor adventures.
  • Canada's Missing Profile: Jonathan Jette and Rachael Bagnall

Circumstances of Disappearance

On September 3rd, 2010, Jette and Bagnall set out for a 2-3 day climb in the Pemberton area, north of Whistler, British Columbia. Specific details about their intended route are scarce, but the region is known for its dense forests, steep cliffs, and unpredictable weather, even in early September.

The couple did not return as expected, prompting friends to alert authorities. Their vehicle was located, but they left their cell phones behind, an unusual choice for experienced hikers. It has been suggested that this was possibly to disconnect or to avoid tracking. No distress signals were reported.

Search Efforts

A large-scale search was launched, involving Whistler Search and Rescue, RCMP, and volunteer teams. The operation covered remote trails, valleys, and forested areas in the Pemberton-Whistler corridor, lasting over a month. Despite extensive efforts, including aerial support, no trace of Jette or Bagnall was found—no clothing, equipment, or remains. The rugged terrain, dense vegetation, and wildlife likely obscured evidence, complicating the search.

A Pique Newsmagazine article by Alison Taylor, published on September 1st, 2011, offered poignant details on Jette and Bagnall’s disappearance. The couple, described as soulmates, stopped at Tim Hortons in Squamish before parking at Spetch Creek Forest Service Road, aiming for Valentine Lake. Lacking a map, compass, or GPS, they relied on a scrambling guidebook. Over 2,000 search hours, including a 2011 family-led effort, found only nail clippers and a fire pit. Memorials honored Bagnall in Prince George and UBC, and Jette in Vancouver. Read more at Pique Newsmagazine.

Theories and Commentary

The disappearance of Jette and Bagnall has fueled speculation due to its alignment with other mysterious cases in the region. Several theories have emerged:

1. Environmental Misadventure: The Pemberton area’s challenging landscape, with sudden drop-offs, fast-moving rivers, and dense forests, could have led to an accident.
2. Foul Play: The decision to leave phones behind raises questions. Some, including researcher David Paulides, author of Missing 411, suggest this could indicate an intentional act to evade detection, though no evidence supports foul play.
3. Lost or Disoriented: Despite their experience, the couple may have underestimated the terrain or become disoriented.
4. Connection to the “BC Triangle”: BC's topography is contributor to the missing cases, in my opinion.

Community and Media Impact

The case garnered significant attention due to the couple’s active lifestyle and the absence of clues. Whistler and Pemberton communities rallied during the search, with local media covering the story extensively. The case remains a topic in true crime circles and is featured in David Paulides’ Missing 411 series. Paulides’ theories, like many on my blog, are speculative and not officially endorsed by authorities.

Current Status

As of July 2nd, 2025, Jonathan Jette and Rachael Bagnall remain missing. No new leads have surfaced, and the case is classified as unresolved by the Sea to Sky RCMP.

Commentary

I agree with most opinions regarding this case, that leaving the phones behind remains a large clue. I could think of a good reason why you might do that. Mainly, if you felt that space was entirely limited in your packing. However, phones are too small to be too burdensome and the costs-benefits of including them are worth it for hiking.

That the batteries would have died during a 2-3 day hike is not too relevant. Hikers often power off their phones to save for emergencies.

What stands out with this case is that they went missing as a couple. I profiled some missing hiker's and the risk factors a few years ago on this blog. The cases I looked at involved individuals hiking alone for the most part. In cases where people hiked in groups, the missing person often disappeared during a separation of some sort. But the other members of the group were the ones who reported the person missing (ie. they did not go missing themselves) and that's what makes a couple going missing on the same hike a bit odd.

It is, in fact, hard to accept two hikers going missing on the same hike as anything but very improbable. Usually, if one hiker suffers a mishap then the other goes for help. I don't how to calculate two hikers suffering separate mishaps on the same hike but it's improbable for sure. As for both hikers suffering a mishap that disappeared them simultaneously, of course that is possible and the imagination could run wild with scenarios.

On that matter, as food for thought, I will suggest that a bear with mange or one that is simply facing below-average body fat in the fall or late summer might attack two hikers. This has happened before, in fact, it happened in 2023 in Banff at about the same time of year. 

Similar Case That Has Been Resolved: Banff Bear Attack, 2023

A CBC News article by Kylee Pedersen, published on October 1st, 2023, reported the deaths of a common-law couple and their dog in a grizzly bear attack in Banff National Park, Alberta, on September 29th, 2023. The experienced backcountry hikers, camping in the Red Deer River Valley, sent a 5 p.m. check-in message before a GPS alert signaled the attack at 8 p.m.

Harsh weather delayed responders, who found the couple deceased and euthanized the aggressive bear. The case details did note that the bear had below normal body fat, suggesting that a bear facing hunger in the fall might be more likely to attack people than bears that found their normal food sources.

Getting back to the case of Jette and Bagnall, bears around Pemberton go into hyperphagia in late August or September. This is when they are storing body fat for hibernation.

Similar Case That Has Been Resolved: José and Stephanie Perez

A Metro News article, published on May 9th, 2025, details the disappearance of José Luis Perez, 64, and Stephanie Elizabeth Perez, 65. This is an interesting case, in my opinion, as it is about people who vanished in July 2024 while hiking near Sunrise and Autumn Trails in Thousand Oaks, California. 

Reported missing after Stephanie failed to log in for work, their belongings, including their phones, were left at home. A hiker found their skeletal remains in May 2025, revealing gunshot wounds—José’s death ruled a suicide, Stephanie’s a homicide. The case remains under investigation. Read more at Metro News.

This case is similar for the phones being left behind. Furthermore, the missing Californians were not immediately found. Whether the reason for the disappearance (ie. murder-suicide), will be the same for Jette and Bagnall is a matter for debating and resolution.

Missing 411: Western United States and Canada

by David Paulides

Uncover mysterious disappearances in parks with this gripping investigation.

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Debra Kay Manial -- Missing Since December 1982

Missing Person: Debra Kay Manial

Details from a government source (might be paraphrased): Manial was last seen at the Indersol Tree farm in Dobbins with a group of friends cutting down Christmas trees. When the group was getting ready to leave Manial walked in front of the group, never to be seen again.

Last contact: December 19th, 1982 (Sunday); went missing in the morning, reported missing at noon. I see some sources stating that she went missing on December 12th. However, NamUs says December 19th. Also, the journalism starts on Monday, December 20th and states she went missing on Sunday, presumably the most-recent Sunday or else they would specify.

Last location: Dobbins, California. Specifically, Yuba River area, east of Dobbins. Near the Indersol Tree Farm, according to NamUs. This tree farm was called Ingersol Tree Farm from other sources. Also, journalism mentioned a place called Bullards Bar dam.

Age when Debra Kay Manial disappeared: 29 according to NamUs, 28 years old according to early journalism. However, 29 appeared to be the correct age.

Birthdate: December 6th, 1953 (source: DoeNetwork)

The Sacramento Bee. December 21st, 1982.
The age in the journalism appears to be wrong.
She recently turned 29 as of her disappearance date.

Sex: Female

Height in inches: 64

Weight in pounds (lbs): 140

Ethnicity: White/Caucasian

Hair color: Brown

Eye Color: Brown

Scar or distinctive characteristic: Scar on top of one of her thumb knuckles. Horizontal appendectomy scar.

Link to government source: https://www.namus.gov/MissingPersons/Case#/126821?nav

BMI means body mass index. It is meant to describe someone's healthy body weight relative to their height. It is food for thought as to how someone may have looked. However, it is meant as a guide only and does not account for all body types. 

Debra Kay Manial had a BMI of 24.03. Debra Kay Manial was at a HEALTHY WEIGHT by BMI standards at the time of her disappearance.

Clothing: Lots of clothing and accessories to note, as snipped from NamUs below.

Commentary and Research

By: Shane Lambert 

Has Debra Kay Manial been found?

I researched the missing person's case of Debra Kay Manial tonight. From what I gathered, she and eight friends (nine people total) went out on a Sunday morning to find a Christmas tree. On their return to their vehicle, Debra walked ahead of the group for some reason. She has not been seen since and was reported missing at about noon on that day. The way it read, she must have been last seen sometime between 11am and noon on December 19th, 1982.

There was a large search for her. However, there were both rain and snow storms in the time frame that followed. The area was considered dangerous for walking, which brings into play the chance that she slipped down a slope. 

Debra Manial was not originally from the Sacramento area. That would suggest that she wasn't too familiar with the terrain. I think she was from Michigan as per the clipping below from The Saginaw News. There was an obituary for her mother in 2014 in The Saginaw News. In this obituary, it's clear that the family considers Debra to be deceased (May 15th, 2014, page 6).

I did feel like that may have happened to her and then the treacherous weather impeded the search efforts. However, other scenarios are possible, like abduction or self harm. The search for her was called off on December 28th, 1982 as it was thought that she must have perished by then, if she was in the rugged area.

What stood out in this case was simply that she walked ahead alone. I found no statements as to why she did that. What also stood out is the amount of detailed information there is of her clothing. Amateurs working on this case could try to match her clothing/accessories to clothing/accessories found on Jane Does in the area.

A couple of contradictions that I noted was that she was described as 28 years old in the journalism, while NamUs lists her as 29. Also, the tree farm was called "Ingersol Tree Farm" in journalism, not Indersol Tree Farm as per NamUs.

This case reminded me of some other missing person's cases on this website. There have been quite a few people who have gone missing while out with a group in a natural setting. In the cases I am thinking of, the person separated from the group and was then lost.

Trenny Gibson went missing while on a school hike. She separated from the group for a short time and has not been seen since. I looked at missing trail hikers quite extensively back in a 2021 article.

Missing Trail Hikers -- Recognizing the Patterns

Author: Shane Lambert
Original time of writing: April 7th, 2021

Introduction to Missing Trail Hikers

I have been looking at both NamUs and Canada's Missing databases for missing people for the last couple of weeks. In particular, I have been interested in missing person cases where a hiking trail is central to the disappearance. The tag I've associated with all blog posts at this site that have to do a trail and/or a missing hiker is "trail hiking series." You can find this hashtag at the end of this blog post. By clicking on it, you will bring up all the related articles.

When I first thought of the "trail hiking series," admittedly, I wanted to look at about 40 cases that involved trails and/or hiking. However, I have fallen short of that for the time being. Nonetheless, even in a small sample space of cases, I've been able to recognize a couple of distinct patterns with missing people whose case files are associated with nature trails and/or hiking. Please, have a look at the two patterns below that emerged as I studied several cases.

Lost Hikers: Recognizing the Patterns

Pattern #1: An unfit, unequipped, and solo hiker uses a dangerous trail. He or she is not heard from again but his or her vehicle is found at the trailhead or parking lot for the park or trail network.

I selected six cases where Pattern #1, as described above, fits quite well. However, missing person cases aren't made with a cookie cutter: there are deviations. The six bullet points below restate Pattern #1 and provide an area where I will discuss what I mean by each point. The cases that basically fit the pattern then follow.

(1) The missing person was not fit for the hike. 

• Unfit for a hike could describe someone who was obese, however, it could also mean someone who was injured, had a medical ailment, or needed medication.
• In the six cases I looked at, I recall individuals that were either obese by BMI, walked with a limp, had a heart condition, required medication for seizures, or were well out of their primes.
• Only two of the six missing persons that I looked at, David Barclay Miller and Paula Jean Welden, were seemingly fit individuals in the primes of their lives.
• But even in their cases, a question could be posed if their fitness levels were equal to the trail ahead: Miller, in particular, may have had to burden himself with a very heavy load of water.

(2) The missing person went on a dangerous trail or one that is considered difficult.

• In assessing the danger level of a trail, I relied on AllTrails.com. I also looked at videos of the trails taken by YouTube publishers. 
• What I found was that people who went missing on trails often used dangerous trails. 
• This might seem straightforward forward, but the point is still worth making: though hardly foolproof, it suggests that something accidental happened to them instead of something illegal.
• That's especially likely given the poor physical condition many of them were in.
• I recall one case where an individual hiked in an area that other hikers had deemed unsafe and avoided. I recall a trail that was exceptionally lengthy in one case.
• Also, I recall a multi-day trail through desert conditions. In another instance, I recall a missing person using a trail known for encroaching on steep edges that were often intersected with small waterfalls directly falling on the trail.

(3) This missing person hiked alone, even if he or she was seen by others or informed people of his or her plans. 

• The six cases I include all featured solo hikers. They may have been seen by other hikers or park staff, but none hiked in tandem or in groups.

(4) The missing person failed to supply himself or herself properly. 

• Not bringing water or food or adequate clothing is a significant reoccurrence in the missing person cases. All kinds of ailments can affect someone who doesn't have proper clothing for a hike. Not having enough water can lead to dizziness, confusion, and dehydration. It can also lead to reliance on water sources along the trail, which might cause fevers.

(5) The missing person's abandoned vehicle was found at the trailhead or the parking lot for the trail network.

• This was a significant reoccurrence in the selected missing persons cases involving hiking trails, however, it wasn't 100% pervasive. Paula Jean Welden's case didn't mention a car and that is significant. She was a hitchhiker and, of course, a disappearance due to that risky activity could be what caused her disappearance instead of a hiking-trail mishap.

(6) My opinion: the totality of the circumstances suggests a non-clandestine disappearance (ie. it seems more likely that a hiking accident happened than something criminal in nature). 

• Did the person disappear on purpose, by accident, or due to the criminal actions of someone else? That's always a question in a missing person case.
• However, when I read most of the cases, I did think that the people that disappeared were likely accident victims or victims of the elements as opposed to victims of criminals.
• Paula Jean Welden is a tough case in this regard: she was last seen on a hiking trail, but she had hitchhiked to the trail. There is a question if she tried to hitchhike home or if she got lost in the forest. She was, in fact, lost even before arriving at her chosen trailhead and it was nearly dusk.

Of course, some of the points above could appear and, I'm sure, have appeared as topics in safe-hiking guides. Concerning the first point, you should select a trail that's appropriate for your health and fitness. You should definitely hike in twos or at least use trails that are popular and unrisky if you are alone. You should also bring a lot of water for the trail and some high-calorie food, not to mention a change of clothes or something you can add on as a layer if you end up cold. 

The cases I looked at in developing the six points are as follows. For further details on any case, please follow the link.

Joseph Lee Wood Jr. -- Missing Since July 1999 From Washington

• A man with a heart condition went hiking at high altitude without food or water or adequate clothing. Hikers that saw him last said they turned around due to dangerous conditions, but Joseph seemed to trudge on into those dangerous conditions. His vehicle was found near the trailhead.

Jessie Hoover -- Missing Since May 1983 in Maine

• A middle-aged woman who needed daily medication targeted a multi-day hike without any kind of preparations.

Carol Marlene Ferguson -- Missing From Washington Since 2017

• An 83-year-old woman who may have had dementia went on a difficult trail. Her truck was found near the trailhead.

David Barclay Miller -- Missing in Arizona Since 1998

• A young man went on a multi-day hike in the desert. There was a question as to whether he had enough water. His vehicle was found.

Wayne Falconer Wikel -- Missing Since 1992 From Oregon

• A man approaching his middle-aged years had a limp from a leg injury. He went on a very difficult and dangerous trail that was nearly 30 miles in length. His vehicle was found at the trailhead.

Paula Jean Welden -- Missing Since 1945 From New Hampshire

• She hitchhiked to a trail and arrived just before dusk one evening in December without provisions or warming clothing. 

Pattern #2: A duo or larger group takes to the hiking trails. A woman within the duo or group decides to rest instead of partake in the entire hike. While she rests, others in her duo or larger group complete the hike. When they return to collect the resting woman, she is not there. Furthermore, she's never seen again and it's unclear if something clandestine is involved or if she fell victim to a hiking mishap.

This pattern can be summarized with the following points:

(1) The missing person is a woman. 

• In five of the six cases that I looked at that resembled this pattern, the missing person was a woman.

(2) The missing person is originally part of a duo or larger group that's on a hiking excursion.

• This was present in all cases. Usually, the missing person started out on a hike with a group. But in one case, the missing person started out on a camping excursion.

(3) The missing person voluntarily separates from the group.

• This happened in each case. The reasons for the separations vary, but the missing person stopping to take a rest is common. In another case, the missing person voluntarily went on a separate hike than the group from the origin point. In another case, the missing person had a different walking speed than the group, and that created drifting. In another case, a little boy ran ahead of the group perhaps in youthful excitement.

(4) The missing person is not seen again.

• In only one of the six cases was a trace of the missing person found. In another case, some reported hearing the missing person scream in the night of the forest, but this was not firmly established.

(5) The investigation includes some suspicion of others in the area.

• Abduction is pretty clear in two cases. In another case, it seems that something forceful happened to the missing person. In the three other cases, it could be a hiking mishap, but there are questions surrounding other people on the trail, whether they are members of the missing person's group or not.

As is the case with the first pattern, missing person cases aren't made with cookie cutters. However, the following cases are closely related to the five points above.

A Pattern of Lost Hikers: Many Similar Cases

Olga Mauger -- Missing Since 1934 in Wyoming

The cases of Olga Mauer, Michelle Vanek, and Celeste Hensley Greub are very similar cases. Starting with Mauer, she was in the backcountry with her new husband. They were not hiking enthusiasts but were using hiking trails to scout for wild game. The husband and Olga went out into the mountains and she tired and rested while he hiked to a mountain peak. When the husband returned, Olga was gone and was never seen again although someone in the search party reported hearing her night-time calls for help. The husband came under suspicion in the aftermath but was not charged.

Michelle Vanek -- Missing Since 2005 From Colorado

Michelle Vanek went hiking with a male friend (non-romantic). She stopped to rest while he continued to advance to a summit. When he returned to find her, she was missing and has not been seen again. In this case, there was not much suspicion directed toward the friend. However, this case did mention a transient-type of character that was in the backcountry at the time.

Celeste Hensley Greub -- Missing Since 1976 From Wyoming

Celeste Hensley Greub went hiking in Wyoming with two female friends. The two friends decided to climb a nearby mountain peak while Greub rested alone. When the two friends returned to collect Greub, she was gone and has not been seen since. This case did not involve much discussion of suspicion, however, there was an indication that she was in a troubled marriage and may have been despondent.

Rosemary Theresa Kunst -- Missing in California Since 2000

Rosemary Theresa Kunst went on a camping trip with a large group. Most of the members of this group departed out on a hike, while Theresa stayed at the camp. However, she decided to embark on a short hike from the camp. When the hikers in the large group returned to camp, they did not know where Rosemary was. Eventually, a search ensued and only a tuft of her hair was found entangled in the wild-brush.

This case is a little different from the five summary points. Rosemary didn't separate from the hikers that she was on a hike with. Rather, she went on a different hike than what her fellow-campers went on. Furthermore, there was a trace of her as the hair that was found was tested to be hers. The circumstances seemed suspicious to me because I think the hair being yanked from her head, even by wild-brush, suggests that something forceful was happening to her.

Trenny Gibson - Missing Since 1976 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Trenny Gibson went on a school field trip with her classmates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trip involved taking an out-and-back trail. During this trip, she became isolated on the trail from her classmates. I got the impression this had to do with her having a different walking speed over a long trail. Sometime during this isolated time, Trenny disappeared and has not been seen again. This is a case that has involved plenty of suspicion against a classmate, suspicion that I've felt was not warranted. Bloodhounds that tracked Trenny's movements lead to a roadside disappearance off of the trail. One prevailing guess is that she was abducted by a stranger, possibly at knifepoint or gunpoint.

Thomas Eldon Bowman -- Missing in California Since 1957 

Thomas Eldon Bowman is the only male in this list. A young minor, he was hiking on a family outing and became separated from the group when he ran ahead to the parking lot toward the end of the outing. He has not been seen since. He was thought to have been a kidnapping victim as opposed to the victim of a hiking-trail accident.

Richard Kalani Vierra -- Missing in Hawaii Since 2014

Paraphrased details from government source**: 

Richard went hiking alone on Saturday, July 5th, 2014 at approximately 6:30am at the Kamaileuna Ridge Trail near his home. He called his mother at 11:30 am to say he was coming down. He has not been seen or heard from since.

From his Facebook profile.

Missing Person: Richard Kalani Vierra
Last-contact date: July 5th, 2014 at about 11:28am
The area where the MP was last seen: Waianae, Hawaii at Kaimaile Mountain trail near Maiu'u Entrance
Link to government source: NamUs MP 

VITAL DETAILS

Ethnicity: White or Caucasian
Sex: Male
Age at time of disappearance: 15 years old
Birthdate: Richard Kalani Vierra was born between July 6th, 1998, and July 5th, 1999 based on his reported age at the last date of reported contact.
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Scar: None known
Height/weight: 5'5" and 120 pounds
BMI*: Richard Kalani Vierra was in the normal range for BMI.
Tattoos: Richard Kalani Vierra did not have any tattoos associated with his profiles.

Richard Kalani Vierra was last heard from on July 5th, 2014 when he was 15 years of age. I am sure I found his inactive Facebook account where there are a lot of pictures of him. In my opinion, the NamUs photo isn't a good one. He looked like a very athletic teenager that was successful for his age group in martial arts. This individual has now been missing for about 7 years as of the original publication date of this blog post.

What stands out with this case is the phone call that the mother made to her son. He apparently hiked to a mountain summit and phoned to say he was on his way back home. This was the last contact from the missing minor. When she called him again at 12:15pm then the call went to voicemail.

It's possible, even probable, that he suffered a hiking accident in the 47 minutes between the two calls. If he did, then his location at the time of the first phone call and his hiking speed create the search area. This was not an easy or safe hike according to my research.

I saw a video that filmed a missing person poster of him. It said he was hiking the Kaimaile Mountain trail and may have used Maiu'u Road Entrance. I think this would be referring to the Kamaileunu Ridge Hike and that his entry point to the trail would have been at the following Google Map coordinates: 21.46178191468302, -158.1992668024058.

The trail is rated as difficult at AllTrails.com. One reviewer at the site had this to say:

We found that it went way off to the left, but got very dangerous being over the edge of a cliff without places to hold on. We decided it wasn't worth it and turned back. The way back was difficult finding proper foot placement and not slipping on the steep, sandy sections. It took us about 3 hours and 15 minutes to get up to 1000 feet and back. Definitely a fun challenge, not sure if we'd do it again. -- Taylor Key, writing in September 2020

Furthermore, this trail has made the news before because of hikers falling. The following newspaper article references the trail, a near-fatal accident that occurred on it in 2003, and crumbling rock as a hazard.

The man that fell had his fall broken by trees and so he was able to guide search-and-rescue to his whereabouts with his cellular phone. The impression I got in reading the article below is that the man might have been difficult to find without him being able to provide verbal guidance by cellular. It would be interesting if this dangerous area was the same area that Richard was in when he went missing. 

Minimally, I think the case in the article below should be a case study for trying to find Richard as it may highlight a particularly dangerous spot where someone who falls may end up concealed. This case may call for a double skill-set of an expert hiker that's familiar with the trail who also is skilled at operating drones with cameras.

07 Jan 2003, Tue The Honolulu Advertiser (Honolulu, Hawaii) Newspapers.com

Richard Kalani Vierra may have had the following articles when he disappeared: blue backpack, blue shirt, shorts, and shoes. These items can be used to try and match a missing person to a John Doe. You can follow the tweets from the author of this blog. Follow Shane Lambert at Twitter. 

Author: Shane Lambert, (Freelance Writer)

All articles are subject to editing after the original posting.

Shane Lambert, (Freelance Writer) is not a Private Investigator, however, he is currently studying to be one as of April 2021.

If you like this blog, then you can join the affiliated Facebook group: MPC Facebook Group

Website hashtag: #MPCSL

*For BMI values, I use the UPPER or HIGHER ranges that are given for height and weight.
**Might not be the exact meaning that NamUs or Canada's Missing conveys. I improve upon their descriptions with my research.
Disclaimer: Whenever possible, government sources are preferred for getting the details of a missing persons case. However, any source that the article writer deems reputable may be used.

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Jessie Hoover -- Missing Since May 1983 in Maine

Paraphrased details from government source**:  

Jesse Hoover was last seen on May 20, 1983 at the Baxter State Park Headquarters. Hoover traveled to Maine from Texas to hike the Appalachian Trail. She had no special equipment or knowledge to aid her while hiking. Jesse was reported missing on July 11, 1983 by her sister.

Photo credit: Picture taken from Maine State Police website. Cropped and enhanced by RSS Flanagan on 11/21/2011.

Missing Person: Jessie Hoover

Last-contact date: May 20th, 1983
The area where the MP was last seen: Millinocket, Maine
Link to government source: NamUs MP 

VITAL DETAILS

Ethnicity: White/Caucasian
Sex: Female
Age at time of disappearance: 53 years old
Birthdate: June 13th, 1929
Hair: Gray or partially gray
Eyes: Blue
Scar: None listed
Height/weight: 5'8" and 240 to 250 pounds
BMI*: This individual was obese by BMI standards at the time of her disappearance.
Tattoos: Jessie Hoover did not have any tattoos associated with her profiles.

Jessie Hoover was last heard from on May 20th, 1983 when she was 53 years of age. What stands out with this case to me is that she was going on a hiking trip that she was nowhere near prepared for. This individual has now been missing for about 38 years as of the original publication date of this blog post.

Apparently, she was planning to hike the Appalachian Trail with what could only be considered a haphazard plan. AllTrails.com describes this trail as extending from Maine to Georgia at a distance of 3,207 kilometers. This is a hike that would require planning, both in regard to what you bring with you and in regard to developing the fitness to carry what you need.

According to some sources, Jessie had a terrible plan for her hiking trip. For instance, CharleyProject stated this: "Hoover was going to climb Mount Katahdin on May 20, but park rangers refused to permit it because they felt she was unprepared. She was last seen at the trailhead of the 100-Mile Wilderness, the most remote stretch of the Appalachian Trail." The same source describes a woman who barely had any food with her. Meanwhile, the source below depicts a hiking plan in the same region by a different group of people. It shows what kind of planning in required for this trip, one that was once a 'rights of passage' journey for some Boy Scout youths.

22 Jun 1972, Thu The Bangor Daily News (Bangor, Maine) Newspapers.com

In addition to poor planning, there's also the question of Jessie's health. A newspaper source that will find below listed her as epileptic.

Additionally, her NamUs profile said she was 53 years old, up to 250 pounds, and just 5'8". When you plug those demographics into Body Mass Index calculators you get someone who is obese. At the age of 53, this wasn't an individual who had any hope of walking or hiking the Appalachian Trail or the 100-mile Wilderness trail.

In fact, I think a 250-pound 53-year old would have plenty of trouble with just a 10-mile trail. The plan, according to CharleyProject, was "to wire home for money and pick up her prescriptions as she passed through towns on the way." 

That plan sounds so fanciful that if all of it is taken at face value, then Jessie Hoover clearly wasn't in a strong place mentally from the start of her trip. This might have been suicide by hiking trail (ie. suicide by exposure).

This is a case, in my opinion, where Websleuths should be looking for a Jane Doe that didn't get too far up the 100-mile Wilderness trail. Jessie Hoover may have had the following articles when she disappeared: blue knapsack, blue jeans, blue shirt, and blue windbreaker. These items affiliated with a Jane Doe in that area should be compared to Jessie Hoover's case details.

In the sources I consulted, I found some inconsistencies with her middle name. CharleyProject listed it as Albertine but one newspaper source gave her the middle initial of "O." Some sources say she was 53 when she disappeared, others say 54. That may be due to the fact that her birthdate was close to the time she disappeared.

27 Jun 2009, Sat The Bangor Daily News (Bangor, Maine) Newspapers.com

Thank you for reading. If have any information about this case, consider contacting the authorities.

Author: Shane Lambert (Vancouver, Canada)

All articles are subject to editing after the original posting.

Shane Lambert (Vancouver, Canada) is not a Private Investigator, however, he is currently studying to be one as of March 2021.

If you like this blog, then you can join the affiliated Facebook group: MPC Facebook Group

Website hashtag: #MPCSL

*For BMI values, I use the UPPER or HIGHER ranges that are given for height and weight.
**Might not be the exact meaning that NamUs or Canada's Missing conveys. I improve upon their descriptions with my research.
Disclaimer: Non-opinionated information at this site generally comes from government sources or police reports. Other sources may be used.

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Rosemary Theresa Kunst -- Missing in California Since 2000

Paraphrased details from government source**: 

Rosemary Kunst was last seen August 18th, 2000 near Spirit Lake's Marble Mountain Wilderness Area, Klamath National Forest in California. Kunst, an avid hiker, had gone off on a hike by herself carrying only a journal, a sandwich, and a bag of trail mix. It is believed that Kunst may have gotten lost or injured in the heavy-forest terrain. A tuft of her hair was found during a search, but no other clues were ever found. This hair was found caught in some heavy brush south of Spirit Lake.

Missing Person: Rosemary Theresa Kunst
Last-contact date: August 18th, 2000
The area where the MP was last seen: Siskiyou, California at the south end of Spirit Lake walking toward a ridge
Link to government source: NamUs MP 

VITAL DETAILS

Ethnicity: White/Caucasian
Sex: Female
Age at time of disappearance: 70 years old
Birthdate: November 1st, 1929
Hair: Gray, partly gray, graying
Eyes: Hazel
Scar: Surgical scars
Height/weight: 5'3" and 122 pounds
BMI*: Rosemary Theresa Kunst was in the normal range for BMI.
Tattoos: Rosemary Theresa Kunst did not have any tattoos associated with her profiles.

Rosemary Theresa Kunst, a missing person, was last heard from on August 18th, 2000 when she was 70 years old. This individual has now been missing for about 21 years as of the original publication date of this blog post.

What stands out with this case is that a tuft of the missing person's hair was discovered in the search for her. In my mind, there was a question as to whether this hair was definitely Kunst's, however, I was satisfied after reading that it was forensically identified by comparing the sample to her known hair in a brush.

22 Aug 2000, Tue The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

I tried to think about what it meant for a missing person to disappear on a hike and only a tuft of her hair to be found during the search. To me, there is something to think about when it comes to the height off of the ground of where the hair was found. If it was found in brush close to the ground, then this might suggest that she was being dragged. If it's found at about shoulder-level then it could just be a standard tangling that could happen to anyone.

However, for the hair to come loose is interesting, I think, because I see most people as untangling their hair from brush by breaking the twigs as opposed to the more painful option of having their hair torn out. I do think the tuft of hair being removed from her scalp suggests that something forceful happened to this missing person during her hike in August 2000.

This missing person was associated with a lot of clothing articles and/or possessions. Note the following with this case: she had a journal, a sandwich, a bag of trail mix, a blue fleece shirt, a blue baseball cap, and hiking boots. The food could have been an attractant for a wild animal. However, the scenario of an animal attack is mitigated in my mind by the fact that no blood was found anywhere after a large search that lasted a week and none of the articles she was in possession of were found. Animals aren't tidy with their attacks: if a mountain lion, wolves, or a bear attacked Rosemary Kunst then I think the search would likely have produced one of her items or a portion of one.

That does call into question the possibility of foul play. Of course, that can't be eliminated until she is found but the likelihood of a human disappearing Kunst is mitigated by the remote location. Then again, that remoteness could create opportunity for anyone that was out there.

Lastly, I don't think Rosemary Kunst went into the forest to commit self-harm. Those that knew her seemed confident that she wasn't despondent. While secret depression can never really be eliminated, Rosemary reportedly did invite a youth at her camp along for the hike. That youth declined the invitation. If Rosemary was going to harm herself then I don't think she extends any invitation at all because she couldn't count on the decline.

This truly is puzzling case except that the tuft of hair coming out of her head suggests something forceful in nature occurred. My guess is that she was attacked by a man or animal, hidden (animals might hide a corpse), and her remains are in the region still despite the search.

Please share this article to social media using hashtags that are related to where the missing person went missing from, which is Siskiyou, California.

Author: Shane Lambert (UncoolNegated on Websleuths)

All articles are subject to editing after the original posting.

Shane Lambert (UncoolNegated on Websleuths) is not a Private Investigator, however, he is currently studying to be one as of March 2021.

If you like this blog, then you can join the affiliated Facebook group: MPC Facebook Group

Website hashtag: #MPCSL

*For BMI values, I use the UPPER or HIGHER ranges that are given for height and weight.
**Might not be the exact meaning that NamUs or Canada's Missing conveys. I improve upon their descriptions with my research.
Disclaimer: Whenever possible, government sources are preferred for getting the details of a missing persons case. However, any source that the article writer deems reputable may be used.

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May (Maya) Millete -- Missing in California Since January 2021

Details from NamUs**: 

May/Maya Millete was last seen on January 7, 2021 at her residence in Chula Vista, California. Her whereabouts are unknown. Her vehicles are at her residence.

Missing Person: May (Maya) Millete

Last-contact date: January 7th, 2021
The area where the MP was last seen: Chula Vista, California (San Miguel Ranch)
Link to government source: NamUs #MP77365

VITAL DETAILS

Ethnicity: Asian according to NamUs, Filipino according to MP's poster
Sex: Female
Age at time of disappearance: 39 years old
Birthdate: between January 8th, 1981 and January 7th,1982

• When the birthdate isn't known, I calculate a range using the age at the date of the missing person's disappearance.

Hair: Brown, long
Eyes: Brown
Scar: None indicated
Height/weight: 5-foot-2 and 110 pounds
BMI*: May Millete was in the normal range for BMI.

• BMI is body mass index. It relates to an individual's height and weight. I include it believing it can help picture a missing person or describe one.

Larry Millete Jail Calls Reinstated: Latest Maya Millete Case Update

Court Event Date: Larry Millete appeared in Chula Vista courthouse on Monday, March 3rd, 2025.

Judge’s Decision: A judge approved a request to reinstate Larry Millete’s jail call privileges, which had previously been restricted.

Case Background: Larry is charged with murdering his wife, May "Maya" Millete, who vanished from Chula Vista, California, in January 2021; he has been in custody since his arrest on October 19, 2021, awaiting trial.

Current Status: As of March 3, 2025, Larry has not been convicted; his murder trial is scheduled for July 7, 2025, with Maya’s body still missing.

Significance: The reinstatement allows Larry to make calls from jail, potentially affecting pre-trial preparations or communication with his defense team.

Source Details: Reported by CBS 8 San Diego, featuring courtroom footage from the hearing.

May Millete Case Update: Larry Millete’s Court Hearing on February 27, 2025, Addresses Protective Order in Missing Mother’s Case

May "Maya" Millete, a mother of three, disappeared from her Chula Vista, California home on January 7, 2021. On February 27, 2025, ABC 10News San Diego reported that her husband, Larry Millete, appeared in court for a hearing to modify a criminal protective order related to their children, as he awaits trial for her murder. Arrested on October 19, 2021, Larry has pleaded not guilty, despite prosecutors alleging he killed Maya amid marital strife. The hearing highlighted ongoing family tensions, with Maya’s sister, Maricris Drouaillet, opposing contact between Larry and the children. As of March 9, 2025, Maya’s body remains missing, and the trial is scheduled for July 7, 2025.

ABC 10News San Diego - Larry Millete Returns to Court for Hearing

---

May Millete Case Update: Husband’s Arrest on October 19, 2021, Intensifies Search for Missing California Mother

May "Maya" Millete, a mother of three, was last seen at her Chula Vista, California home on January 7th, 2021.

On October 19th, 2021, ABC10 News San Diego reported that her husband, Larry Millete, was arrested and charged with her murder, though her body has not been located.

The arrest followed 67 search warrants and 87 interviews, with prosecutors alleging foul play linked to marital issues, including Maya’s intent to divorce.

A January 7th, 2023, San Diego Union-Tribune update noted the case was moving to trial, while X posts from

@ChulaVistaPD

in 2024, confirmed ongoing searches. As of March 9, 2025, Maya remains missing, and the trial, scheduled for July 7, 2025, is still pending.

---

ABC 10News San Diego - Larry Millete Arrest Coverage

---

May Millete has not been seen since January 7th, 2021, when she was 39 years old.

One recent news source that covered her disappearance was Fox5 in San Diego. According to a February 6th article by Jeff McAdam, Maya's disappearance was going to be investigated by a noted Private Investigator.

The details of her disappearance according to that news site are as follows:

Her husband told FOX 5...that he thought she might have gone for a hike to blow off some steam, but she never came home. Her car was still in the driveway, phone turned off and credit cards unused. When she didn’t show up for her daughter’s birthday party a few days later, her family called police.

Hiking alone is certainly a risk factor when it comes to a disappearance. There are plenty of missing people who were last thought to be going hiking alone. 

Paula Jean Welden's lengthy disappearance spanning decades is probably the most famous case of that's covered at this site. Also, at the time of her disappearance, the husband's statement suggests that she was in an angered state of mind. However, the notion that she walked away from her life has largely been dismissed since the early days of her disappearance.

This missing person did not have any articles or items associated with her in the missing person's reports that I consulted. However, NamUs did note some tattoos:

• musical notes right chest/shoulder
• hummingbird on back
• symbol on inner wrist

If you know where this person might be or have any information on this case, then please contact the authorities. In Canada, look for Canada's Missing website with the Federal government. In the USA, you can look for the NamUs profile. Conversely, you can post a remark to this article.

Author: Shane Lambert

All articles are subject to editing after the original posting.

Shane Lambert is not a Private Investigator, however, he is currently studying to be one as of March 2021.

Website hashtag: #MPCSL

*For BMI values, I use the UPPER or HIGHER ranges that are given for height and weight.
**Text might be paraphrased. If taken verbatim, then grammar or spelling errors are not necessarily corrected from original sources.

Disclaimer: Information posted is thought to be correct as of the time posting. If a missing person is found, then this article might stay posted until that is noticed. I try to stay on top of the news but it's not possible to follow all cases. Articles will be edited or deleted when credible news of the missing person is authenticated.