California Hiker Deaths and Disappearances
The FBI is investigating potential connections between 10 missing or deceased scientists, including a hiker who disappeared in Los Angeles County in June 2025, as of April 21, 2026. This investigation follows a series of hiker deaths and disappearances across California, including the suspicious death of Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, whose body was found near Sykes Hot Springs in the Big Sur wilderness on April 16, 2026. Toxicology results for Shields are pending, while the body of 37-year-old Bjorn "Bear" Miller was found on April 11, 2026, near Fort Bragg Beach after a 70-foot fall, with foul play not suspected. Additionally, three bodies were discovered near Big Sur on April 9, 2024, during a search for a missing hiker, and California park officials are re-evaluating safety protocols for Mount Baldy after three hiker deaths, including Juan Sarat Lopez, 37, and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, 36, in late 2025 and early 2026.
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April 2026 — 7 developments
The FBI is investigating potential connections between the cases of 10 missing or deceased scientists, including a hiker who disappeared in Los Angeles County in June 2025.
The FBI is investigating potential connections between the cases of 10 missing or deceased scientists, including a hiker who disappeared in Los Angeles County in June 2025. The investigation is ongoing as of April 21, 2026.
Authorities are investigating the death of Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, as suspicious after her body was found near Sykes Hot Springs in the Big Sur wilderness on April 16, 2026.
Authorities are investigating the death of Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, as suspicious after her body was found near Sykes Hot Springs in the Big Sur wilderness on April 16, 2026. Toxicology results are pending as part of the ongoing investigation into the cause and manner of her death.
The body of 37-year-old Bjorn "Bear" Miller from Oklahoma was found at the base of a cliff near Fort Bragg Beach on April 11, 2026, following a 70-foot fall.
The body of 37-year-old Bjorn "Bear" Miller from Oklahoma was found at the base of a cliff near Fort Bragg Beach on April 11, 2026, following a 70-foot fall. An autopsy indicated blunt force trauma and ocean submersion as the preliminary cause of death, with foul play not suspected.
The body of a deceased hiker was discovered near Sykes Hot Springs in Los Padres National Forest on April 9, 2026.
The body of a deceased hiker was discovered near Sykes Hot Springs in Los Padres National Forest on April 9, 2026. Monterey County Sheriff's Search and Rescue teams are attempting to retrieve the body, but challenging weather conditions are hindering their efforts. No public safety threats are indicated in the area.
A body was recovered near Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur on April 10, 2026, during an investigation into hiker deaths.
A body was recovered near Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur on April 10, 2026, during an investigation into hiker deaths. The individual has not yet been identified, and the circumstances surrounding their death are under investigation.
Three bodies were discovered near Big Sur on April 9, 2024, during a search for a missing hiker, with investigations into their deaths ongoing.
Three bodies were discovered near Big Sur on April 9, 2024, during a search for a missing hiker, with investigations into their deaths ongoing. On the same day, Ian Maclurg of San Diego died from a medical emergency on a remote section of the Pacific Crest Trail near Anza.
A hiker died on a remote section of the Pacific Crest Trail near Anza in Riverside County, California, on April 9, 2026.
A hiker died on a remote section of the Pacific Crest Trail near Anza in Riverside County, California, on April 9, 2026. Rescue efforts were complicated by challenging terrain and weather conditions. The investigation into the cause of death is ongoing.
January 2026 — 3 developments
A 40-year-old hiker was found deceased on March 23, 2026, in El Capitan County Preserve after going missing over the weekend.
A 40-year-old hiker was found deceased on March 23, 2026, in El Capitan County Preserve after going missing over the weekend. Separately, another hiker was found dead on Mount Baldy on January 22, 2026, after continuing a climb despite safety concerns.
California park officials are re-evaluating safety protocols and discussing implementing a permittin…
California park officials are re-evaluating safety protocols and discussing implementing a permitting system for Mount Baldy after a recent tragedy involving three hiker deaths on the mountain, including a 19-year-old who fell and two other men found deceased.
The two additional hikers found dead on Mount Baldy on December 29th have been identified as Juan Sa…
The two additional hikers found dead on Mount Baldy on December 29th have been identified as Juan Sarat Lopez, 37, and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, 36, both residents of Los Angeles and Guatemalan nationals. They are believed to have fallen from the Devil's Backbone Trail.
December 2025 — 9 developments
Authorities have identified the two previously unknown deceased hikers as Juan Sarat Lopez, 37, and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, 36.
Authorities have identified the two previously unknown deceased hikers as Juan Sarat Lopez, 37, and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, 36. Following the deaths, California park officials are considering renewed calls for a permitting process to hike Mount Baldy.
The bodies of the three hikers were recovered from Mount Baldy on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, days after a winter storm.
The bodies of the three hikers were recovered from Mount Baldy on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, days after a winter storm.
Recovery efforts for the three deceased hikers are still ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the dangerous and unpredictable weather and terrain conditions on Mount Baldy.
Recovery efforts for the three deceased hikers are still ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the dangerous and unpredictable weather and terrain conditions on Mount Baldy. The identities of the two additional deceased hikers remain unknown.
Mount Baldy has been closed following the three deaths, and hiking organizations are now adding disclaimers due to serious issues with hikers not following safety guidelines.
Mount Baldy has been closed following the three deaths, and hiking organizations are now adding disclaimers due to serious issues with hikers not following safety guidelines. The area is experiencing its highest number of missing hikers.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced a temporary closure order for Mount Baldy u…
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced a temporary closure order for Mount Baldy until New Year's Day (December 31, 2025) to protect natural resources and ensure public safety due to dangerous conditions.
Recovery operations for the three bodies were reported to be underway, though still hampered by strong winds and challenging terrain.
Recovery operations for the three bodies were reported to be underway, though still hampered by strong winds and challenging terrain.
Around 7:30 p.
Around 7:30 p.m., a Los Angeles County airship assisted, and an air medic was hoisted down to the location. The medic confirmed that all three individuals spotted were deceased.
Rescue personnel launched ground and helicopter efforts.
Rescue personnel launched ground and helicopter efforts. During an aerial search, the injured hiker and two other individuals were located. However, severe winds prevented the helicopter from landing or performing a rescue.
Around 11:30 a.
Around 11:30 a.m., a call was received regarding a 19-year-old male hiker who had fallen approximately 500 feet near the Devil's Backbone trail on Mount Baldy. His friend hiked to an area with cellular service to provide GPS coordinates for rescue.
January 2024 — 1 developments
Three hikers have died after jumping into Rattlesnake Falls in California, with their bodies recovered days later.
Three hikers have died after jumping into Rattlesnake Falls in California, with their bodies recovered days later. The Placer County Sheriff's Office reported the terrain was extremely remote and difficult to access, making rescue attempts challenging. A helicopter evacuation was required for the three surviving members of the hiking group.