California’s Sierra County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the disappearance of 78-year-old Gil Clark in August, and new evidence in their months-long effort has helped deputies come to a new theory about his disappearance.
The search for Clark began when he was reported missing on August 14, approximately 10 days after he’d last been seen. Nevada County Search and Rescue investigated a four-mile stretch of highway in Tahoe National Forest between Downieville and Goodyears Bar, which Clark was known to walk often. They also searched near his home.
An announcement from the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office says SAR noticed “significant bear activity, and neighbors reported recent mountain lion activity in the vicinity” during the search. Then, on November 14, deputies came across personal items belonging to Clark when they expanded their search area. That prompted bringing in more SAR personnel and cadaver dogs, but no new evidence was found. This, they say, led them to the new theory of what may have happened to Gil Clark in August.
“Based on the investigation and personal items recovered, it is believed Mr. Clark likely suffered a medical emergency near his home that incapacitated him or resulted in his death. Evidence further indicates he was likely dragged from the area by a bear or mountain lion,” they wrote.
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office says the case is still open. They will keep following new leads and encourage members of the community to share any information that could be related to Clark’s disappearance.
