:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(748x478:750x480)/gil-clark-111925-318d2e38de2e465f94ad65620ba1ad6e.jpg?w=768&resize=768,0&ssl=1 "Missing Man, 78, ‘Dragged’ Away by ‘Bear or Mountain Lion’: Sheriff")
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NEED TO KNOW
- 78-year-old Gil Clark from Goodyears Bar, California, went missing in the middle of August, and the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office now says they believe he was “dragged” off by wildlife after a “medical emergency” left him “incapacitated”
- Per KLTA, Clark had “last been seen after a friend dropped him off in Downieville, some four miles from Goodyears Bar”
- Officials who conducted an “extensive” search in the area around Clark’s home and the area he was known to walk in noted significant bear and mountain lion activity
A man from Goodyears Bar, California, who went missing in August was likely “dragged” away by wildlife, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office says.
In a Facebook update to the case, dated Sunday, Nov. 16, the sheriff said that although the case remained open, the most likely scenario was that Gil Clark was “dragged” off by a “bear or mountain lion” after a “medical emergency.”
The sheriff said that at the time of Clark’s disappearance, a “thorough” search was carried out with the assistance of Nevada County Search and Rescue. The search focused on the four-mile stretch of Highway 49 between Downieville and Goodyears Bar, an area Mr. Clark was known to frequently walk.
Per KLTA, Clark had “last been seen after a friend dropped him off in Downieville, some four miles from Goodyears Bar.” The outlet also notes that Clark is 78 years old.
ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo
The update notes that during the search, “significant” bear activity was recorded while Clark’s neighbors reported recent mountain lion activity in the area.
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The police also said that efforts to locate Clark have continued, and when they expanded their initial search area, they located the man’s clothing and personal items.”
On locating Clark’s clothes, the sheriff again requested assistance from Nevada County Search and Rescue who employed four cadaver dogs. However, no further evidence of Clark’s location or whereabouts was discovered.
Subsequently, the sheriff concluded that Clark most likely suffered a “medical emergency near his home that incapacitated him or resulted in his death.”
Sierra County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook
“Evidence further indicates he was likely dragged from the area by a bear or mountain lion,” the sheriff added.
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office also said that Clark’s missing person case remains “open” and “deputies will continue to investigate all leads.”
They also urged anyone with information regarding Clark’s disappearance to come forward.
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