Remains found in Joshua Tree National Park ID’d as hiker missing since April 2023
Update 1/31/24
The Riverside County Coroner's Office positively identified the skeletal remains found in Joshua Tree National Park as that of Trammell Evans.
The cause of death remains undetermined, as the Coroner Bureau’s investigation is ongoing, the agency announced on Thursday.
Evans' family shared a post on Facebook which stated that it appears Evans died from complications related to alcohol withdrawal.
The post stated, "In his final journal entry, filled with optimism but also concern regarding the symptoms of withdrawal, Tram expressed his love for everyone, reminding us that 'love is what life is all about.' He sought healing through being in nature, but underestimated the challenges of his condition."
Original Report 1/26/24
Human remains believed to be missing hiker Trammell Evans were recently found in Joshua Tree National Park, a missing hiker advocate working close to the family told News Channel 3.
Evans's backpack was found near the remains, Cathy Tarr, executive director of the Fowler O'Sullivan Foundation, told News Channel 3. The family is waiting for DNA confirmation.
Evans, a 25-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, was last seen when he was dropped off at the Black Rock Campground on April 30, 2023.
Evans' family told News Channel 3 that he was an experienced hiker and the route he was planning to take was one he had already done before.
“He's very experienced hiker. Like he's done so much hiking, so so much hiking. Honestly, more hiking than most people would want to do in their lifetime. He does it in like a month," Charlie said. "He's done so much walking around in wilderness and he planned his trip really thoroughly.
An extensive search for Trammell began immediately after the missing person report came in.
Joshua Tree National Park rangers took several routes to find him, including helicopter missions and Marine Corps drones and cadaver dog search teams.
Tarr said Evans' family is heading to the site of where the remains were found.
News Channel 3's Jennifer Franco will have more from Tarr tonight at 10 p.m. on Fox 11 and 11 p.m. on News Channel 3.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
