A woman from Southern California has gone missing during what was meant to be an enjoyable day of dirt biking in the Mojave Desert, prompting a desperate search by her loved ones, who are hoping she will be found safe.
Authorities in San Bernardino County initiated an extensive search on Friday for 63-year-old Julie Elizabeth Goforth from Long Beach. She vanished while riding at El Mirage Dry Lake alongside a friend.
Reports indicate that Goforth was riding a new green and black Kawasaki KLX300R when things took a turn for the worse. Her friend, Juan, was with her during the ride last week.
The pair had planned to split up and ride solo for ten minutes before regrouping at the El Mirage Visitor Center. However, when Juan returned, there was no sign of Goforth, prompting a search that yielded no leads.
Her wife, Laura Wells, described the moment she received a distressing call from Juan, saying, “I’m trying not to panic, but I’m panicking,” which made Wells’ heart drop. She feared Goforth might be injured, according to a CBS report.
As per the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, Goforth opted to head back to her car to take a break, resulting in her being separated from Juan. When he returned to their meeting point, she was no longer there.
Wells expressed a deep desire to care for her wife, saying, “I don’t care how seriously injured she is. I’m going to take care of her. I just want her to go home.” Goforth was described as an experienced rider, often biking with friends in the area at least six times a year.
Wells mentioned, “From what I understand, it’s a quick trip downhill for her, and she’s been here so many times that it’s hard to imagine she couldn’t have found her way.”
Goforth is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs around 140 pounds, and was last seen wearing a white shirt along with black and white dirt bike pants. Her family is offering a $10,000 reward for her safe return.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information to reach out at 760-552-6800. To remain anonymous, tips can be texted by sending “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006.
