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Search and Rescue in Kings Canyon National Park

PostPosted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 4:19 am
by SEKIPublicAffairs
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are currently searching for an overdue hiker in northern Kings Canyon. John Williams began his trip at the Bishop Pass trailhead on September 17, intending to exit back over Bishop Pass. The search is centered approximately 25 miles northeast of Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. His anticipated itinerary included: Simpson Meadow, Tehipite Valley, Crown Valley, Blue Canyon, and the John Muir Trail between Evolution Valley and LeConte Canyon.

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office received notification that Williams was overdue on September 27 and immediately initiated search operations. On September 30, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks initiated search operations. To date, the National Park Service has assigned 45 people to the operation. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office began aircraft operations on October 1. Searchers have responded from Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Kern County Sheriff’s Office (China Lake Rescue Unit), San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office (Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit), Inyo National Forest, and the California Rescue Dog Association.

Williams is a 67-year-old male from Bishop, California. He is 6’2” tall, weighs 175 lbs., and has gray hair and brown eyes. If you have seen someone matching this description, please call Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks at 559-565-3195 or 559-565-3762.

For additional info, including a flyer with information/photos of the missing person and maps of the area, visit www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm. (See Oct. 1.)