Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Search ended for missing hiker

AGE: 53-years-old
HEIGHT: 5'10”
WEIGHT: 160 lbs.
HAIR: Short, black with gray
IDENTIFYING FEATURES: Mustache and goatee

HIKING ROUTE INCLUDED: On Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, Larry started his hike at the Taboose Creek Trailhead in the Inyo National Forest with plans to travel over Taboose Pass toward the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon National Park. His route may have included Split Mountain and areas to the south, including Pinchot Pass. He planned to be back on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012.

CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT: Likely wearing dark clothing, may have a red or yellow bandana, may be using a dark gray or blue backpack and using a tan/red dome tent.

GENERAL INFO: Larry is an experienced backpacker and is familiar with the area.

IF YOU HAVE SEEN/CONTACTED HIM OR HAVE MORE INFO: Please contact Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' Dispatch at (559) 565-3195 OR the Inyo County Sheriff's Department at (760) 878-0383.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – The search for missing hiker Lawrence (Larry) Conn, a 53-year-old man from Pacific Palisades, California, continues at Kings Canyon National Park and in the adjacent Inyo National Forest. As of October 25, a total of 20 staff from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department are involved in the search-and-rescue, which includes on-the-ground operations and three helicopters, including one with thermal imaging technology. The incident is being managed by both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department, with additional support from the Air National Guard and the California Highway Patrol.

On October 24, two helicopters and approximately 12 people from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department participated in search operations. Efforts were hampered by snow and high winds.

On Friday, October 19, 2012, Conn started his hike at the Taboose Creek Trailhead in the southern portion of the Sierra Nevada in the Inyo National Forest with plans to travel over Taboose Pass toward the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon National Park. His route may have included Split Mountain and areas to the south, including Pinchot Pass. He planned to return to the Taboose Creek Trailhead on Monday, October 22, 2012. (See flyer.)

The search area is in rugged terrain at 10,000-12,000 feet in elevation. Approximately 1 to 1-1/2 feet of snow is on the ground in the search area. (See attached photo.) Temperatures range from the mid-30s in the day to the low-20s at night (degrees Fahrenheit).

Continued Search for Missing Hiker at Kings Canyon National Park and Inyo National Forest

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – On October 26, 2012, the search continued for missing hiker Lawrence (Larry) Conn at Kings Canyon National Park and in the adjacent Inyo National Forest. A total of 35 staff from the Inyo County Sheriff's Department and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in cooperation with the Air National Guard, were involved in today's search-and-rescue operation. Efforts included ground search teams and three helicopters.

Search conditions were challenging with icy conditions and 1 to 1-1/2 feet of snow at high elevations (from 10,000 -12,000 feet). Temperatures range from the mid-30s in the daytime to the low-20s at night (degrees Fahrenheit). The search is expected to continue during the upcoming weekend with additional ground search teams and ongoing helicopter support.

Searchers Continued to Look for Missing Hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – Searchers continued to look for missing hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park on Monday, October 29. A total of 45 staff from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Yosemite Search and Rescue ("YODOGS"-canine search and rescue team), Kern County Sheriff's Office, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, and Yosemite National Park, were part of the operation. Thirteen ground search teams, three dogs, and two contract helicopters (AStar B3, Bell 206L4) focused on specific high-probability areas around Pinchot Pass, Taboose Pass, and Split Mountain, including likely travel corridors/camp locations.

Conditions were challenging with melting/refreezing cycles masking potential tracks and creating icy areas, deep snow in drifts, cold temperatures from the mid-40s in the daytime to the low-20s at night (degrees Fahrenheit), and high elevations (8,000-13,000 feet). No clues were connected to this hiker today. The search is expected to continue on Tuesday. Managers continue to evaluate any new information to determine the direction of search efforts over the next days.

Efforts Continued in Search for Missing Hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – Search efforts continued for missing hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park on Tuesday, October 30. A total of 35 staff from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Kern County Sheriff's Office, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, and Yosemite National Park were part of the operation. Six ground search teams and two contract helicopters (AStar B3, Bell 206L4) focused on specific high-probability areas, including likely travel corridors/camp locations around Pinchot Pass, Taboose Pass, and Split Mountain.

Search conditions remained challenging with significant areas covered in a blanket of snow masking the ground and potential clues. Temperatures have ranged from the mid-40s in the daytime to the low-20s at night (degrees Fahrenheit). Ground crews have been effective in searching for clues within the established search area.

Despite aggressive searching, no clues have been located that have been tied to Larry Conn since he was seen by another hiker near his vehicle on October 19. Ground search assignments have been completed, and ground teams have been removed from the search area. Aerial searches are expected to continue on Wednesday.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release
October 31, 2012
Contact: Dana M. Dierkes
Phone: (559) 565-3131 (office) and (559) 679-2866 (cell)

Aerial Search Continued Today for Missing Hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – An aerial search continued for missing hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park on Wednesday, October 31, 2012. The search focused on specific high-probability areas, including likely travel corridors/camp locations around Pinchot Pass, Taboose Pass, and Split Mountain. Despite aggressive searching, no clues have been tied to Larry Conn since he was seen by another hiker near his vehicle on October 19. The search will be temporarily suspended on Thursday, November 1, due to impending weather conditions. Managers continue to evaluate any new information to determine the direction of search efforts over the coming days.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release

For Immediate Release: November 1, 2012
Contact: Dana M. Dierkes
Phone: (559) 565-3131 (office) and (559) 679-2866 (cell)



Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA - Efforts to locate missing hiker Larry Conn have been suspended after an intense search revealed no clues. The search of likely areas lasted for eight days utilizing 56 personnel from multiple agencies, with 10 ground search teams, three dog teams, and five helicopters. Conn began a four-day trip in the rugged wilderness of Kings Canyon National Park starting at Taboose Pass on October 19, when he was seen by an outbound hiker. A winter storm arrived in the area on the evening of October 20 and deposited up to 12 inches of snow. Conn was reported overdue to the Inyo County Sheriff's Department on the evening of October 23, and the Sheriff's Department confirmed his vehicle was still at the trailhead. On October 24, the Inyo County Sheriff's Department notified the National Park Service of the missing hiker. Search operations began in Kings Canyon National Park on October 24 and continued through October 31. Environmental conditions were challenging in the search area – a total of 48 square miles of mountainous terrain. Elevations ranged from 8,000 to 14,000 feet. Nighttime temperatures dropped to as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowdrifts made travel by foot difficult. Two searchers were evacuated by helicopter due to medical concerns related to environmental conditions.

The Incident Management Team, with the assistance of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator, reviewed operations and decided to suspend the active search. According to Incident Commander Dave Fox,