Trammell Evans, the backpacker reported missing on May 5 when he failed to show up at a planned pick-up point. Photo: National Park Service
Park rangers and Joshua Tree National Park search-and-rescue (JOSAR) continue to search for a 25-year-old hiker who went missing in the park May 5.
Trammell Evans was dropped off at Black Rock Campground, in the northwest corner of the park, on April 30 for a five-night backpacking trip. Prior arrangements dictated he was supposed to be picked up back at Black Rock on May 5 at 11 a.m., according to the National Park Service (NPS).
But Evans never made the rendezvous. Authorities responded immediately, the NPS said, but still had not found the hiker as of Tuesday afternoon.
Evans did not register for a backcountry use permit, the park found. In the days since he was reported missing, rangers have contacted “all 55 people” that did possess backcountry permits for the same location, according to the release.
Evans is 6’3”, 190 pounds, and was last seen wearing a silver, white, and gray sun hoodie, dark blue shorts and Asics shoes (size 13). He was carrying a black REI backpack with an egg crate-style sleeping pad, dark green beanie, and green Patagonia fanny pack. The park advised Evans is “an athletic and experienced long-distance hiker” who’s familiar with the Joshua Tree area. Most recently known to reside in Los Angeles, the park noted he “moves frequently.”
NPS missing persons handbill for Evans. Image: NPS
Evans’ route involved about 30 miles of backcountry hiking, park officials told the Los Angeles Times.
The search continues as of this writing. The JOSAR team includes “highly trained trackers, searchers, and climbers,” the NPS said. That group is working alongside the Bureau of Land Management and a helicopter unit with the California Highway Patrol.
The NPS urged anyone wishing to join in the search to stand down.
“Please do not self-dispatch to search for Trammell Evans on your own, and do not dispatch a drone to aid in the search efforts. The patrol helicopter cannot fly while drones are in the air, and any unplanned drones in the air may seriously impede aerial search efforts,” it said in a statement.
Anyone with information can call or text the park service tip line at (888) 653-0009.
