Search for missing hiker at Joshua Tree National Park trail reaches fifth day
The search for a missing Canadian man at Joshua Tree National Park hits its fifth day.
Paul Miller, 51, has been missing since Friday morning. According to Park Rangers, he was last seen by his wife Friday at around 9 am as he was departing for a solo hike to 49 Palms Oasis at Joshua Tree National Park. Miller was supposed to meet back with his wife at around noon, but he never returned. Miller’s wife called park rangers and the search began 12:30 pm.
“Every day that goes by we know it becomes even more crucial to find this individual,” said George Land, public information officer for the park.
Search crews found Miller’s in the parking lot at the trailhead of 49 Palms Oasis. Authorities have found no other traces of Miller as of Sunday.
“Still no sign, not even so much as a footprint so it’s somewhat of a mystery,” Land said.
“I was looking forward to him coming back talk to me all about it and now we get the news he’s been missing,” said Cam Guthrie, the mayor of Miller’s hometown of Guelph, Ontario. Guthrie says he’s known Miller for over 20 years.
According to park officials, during today’s search, there was approximately 35 searchers combing the trail with a helicopter and K-9 units assisting. The search started at around 6 a.m. to avoid the high heat of the day. Despite the early start, three searchers had to be evacuated due to heat-related illness.
“You can only do your best and hope that it has a positive outcome. We were lucky on the last three searches we’ve had. They were all taken back tot heir families alive and well, we hope that the same thing will happen in this case,” Land said.
Miller is described as a white male, 5’5″ tall, weighing approximately 160 lbs. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Miller is asked to call: 909 383-5651.
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