Human remains were discovered in California’s Joshua Tree National Park last week after park researchers recovered the backpack of a hiker who had been missing since May, officials said Tuesday.
The body was discovered Thursday on a trail in the Black Rock section of the park, near where the abandoned belongings of Tramell Evans, 25, were found, the National Park Service said.
Evans was last seen on April 30th when he was dropped off at Black Rock Campground. He was reported missing on May 5 after he did not return on time from his trip, and rescuers immediately began a search.
Evans had planned to hike from Black Rock to the Geological Tour Road and then trek the California Riding and Hiking Trail back to Black Rock. The journey was approximately 60 miles round trip.
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Trammell Evans was reported missing on May 5 after leaving a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. (National Park Service)
Officials described Evans as a “highly athletic and experienced long-distance hiker” who was familiar with the trails and high desert of Joshua Tree National Park.
When Trammell was reported missing on May 5, rangers immediately assembled a search and rescue team of highly trained trackers, searchers and climbers to find Trammell. (National Park Service)
According to the NPS, Evans did not register for a remote area permit before leaving on his trip. Officials noted that his last known residence was in Los Angeles, but that he moved frequently.
A backpack, identified as Trammell’s, was found near the human remains. The identity of the body and the cause of death have not yet been determined. (National Park Service)
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The Riverside County Coroner’s Office is working to positively identify the body and determine the cause of death. Officials said the investigation is ongoing.
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Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Office at 760-836-1600 or anonymously at 760-341-7867 and include incident number O240250071.
