Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP55057) and 9 other sources
Michael Allen Ficery, a 51-year-old experienced hiker, disappeared on June 15, 2005, while hiking near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park. Ficery, known for his love of the outdoors and his familiarity with the Hetch Hetchy area, was on a solo hike in rugged terrain. He planned a multi-day route, but after he failed to return by June 19 when his wilderness permit expired, his family reported him missing on June 21.

A large search and rescue operation was launched, involving aircraft, search dogs, and teams from multiple counties. His car was found in the parking lot, and his backpack was later discovered near Tiltill Mountain, but with some critical items missing, including his water bottle and camera. The location of the backpack, off his planned route and near the snowline, raised concerns. Despite the intensive search, no other traces of Ficery were found, and the search was scaled back after several days.

Theories regarding his disappearance range from accidental injury to possibly being swept away in the area's waterways, or even encountering criminal activity. Despite significant efforts, including one of the most expensive search operations in the park’s history, Michael Ficery remains missing, and the case is still unsolved.

Last Seen: Jun 15, 2005

Possible Unidentified Matches (9)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

78%Possible
John Doe — Fresno, California - unidentified case UP128534
John Doe — Fresno, California
UP128534 • Found Jan 4, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 81%79 mi away, same state
TimingFound 19 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6"–5'8" vs 5'8"–5'10"
Weight 88%115–125 lb vs 150–165 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
77%Possible
John Doe — Reno, Nevada - unidentified case UP17321
John Doe — Reno, Nevada
UP17321 • Found Nov 20, 2017
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 60 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 71%118 mi away
TimingFound 12 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"–5'10"
Weight 100%148 lb vs 150–165 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 50%Blue vs Green
76%Possible
John Doe — Milpitas, California - unidentified case UP59937
John Doe — Milpitas, California
UP59937 • Found Sep 29, 2018
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 55–70 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 68%133 mi away, same state
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 5'8"–5'10"
Weight 76%115 lb vs 150–165 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 70%Hazel vs Green
76%Possible
John Doe — San Francisco, California
UP5965 • Found Dec 27, 2006
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 64%156 mi away, same state
TimingFound 18 months after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'8"–5'10"
Weight 100%135 lb vs 150–165 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
76%Possible
John Doe — San Francisco, California - unidentified case UP146018
John Doe — San Francisco, California
UP146018 • Found Jan 18, 2014
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 63%158 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"–5'10"
Weight 93%186 lb vs 150–165 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
76%Possible
John Doe — Rio Vista, California
UP147996 • Found Feb 12, 2006
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 45–65 vs 51
Race 100%White
Location 71%119 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 months after last seen
Height 100%5'4"–5'7" vs 5'8"–5'10"
Weight 100%137 lb vs 150–165 lb
75%Possible
John Doe — Shafter, California
UP61238 • Found Mar 11, 2006
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 51
Race 100%White
Location 62%164 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 months after last seen
Height 100%5'5"–5'7" vs 5'8"–5'10"
Weight 100%180–210 lb vs 150–165 lb
Hair 40%Brown vs Gray
Eyes 0%Brown vs Green
75%Possible
John Doe — Berkeley, California - unidentified case UP12992
John Doe — Berkeley, California
UP12992 • Found Nov 2, 2010
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 65%148 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 84%6'0" vs 5'8"–5'10"
Weight 78%117 lb vs 150–165 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 50%Blue vs Green
75%Possible
John Doe — San Francisco, California - unidentified case UP146037
John Doe — San Francisco, California
UP146037 • Found Oct 10, 2014
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 63%161 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5"–5'9" vs 5'8"–5'10"
Weight 91%127 lb vs 150–165 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.