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George Penca Missing Person Case

Last seen in Yosemite, California on Jun 17, 2011

Victim Details

Apr 11, 2017

Dec 17, 2021

George

Penca

45

30

70 inches

71 inches

230 lbs

240 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Jun 17, 2011

Yosemite

California

Mariposa County

95389

33412

National Park Service - Yosemite

Yosemite

California

Mariposa County

95389

Steve Yu

Special Agent

PO Box 517, California

Federal

Law Enforcement

NP14034311

Jun 17, 2011

National Park Service - Yosemite

Brown

Blue

Blue

Oct 12, 2026


Area Last Seen:

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Case Study 04: The Disappearance of George Penca

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP37803) and 9 other sources
George Penca, a 30-year-old man from Hawthorne, California, disappeared on June 17, 2011, while hiking in Yosemite National Park. He was part of a church group of 20 people, hiking the strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. After reaching the top of Yosemite Falls around 2:40 PM, the group dispersed, agreeing to meet back down in Yosemite Valley later. However, George never rejoined the group and was last seen getting water from Yosemite Creek at the top of the falls.

Penca was not an experienced hiker, and when he failed to appear by 9:00 PM, his disappearance was reported, launching an extensive search. Over 100 search and rescue personnel, helicopters, and search dogs scoured the area for a week, but no trace of him was found. The terrain was difficult and steep, but despite the search efforts, no evidence of Penca—nor his belongings—has ever been discovered.

Several theories have emerged regarding his disappearance, including the possibility that he became lost or injured, wandered off the trail, or suffered a fall. However, no concrete clues have surfaced to support any specific outcome. His case remains unsolved, leaving family, friends, and investigators without answers.
Last Seen: Jun 17, 2011

Links to Additional Sources (9)

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  • Missing in Yosemite National Park: Where is George Penca? - Medium
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP37803
  • The strange disappearance of George Penca in Yosemite National ...
  • Cold Cases - Investigative Services (U.S. National Park Service)
  • George Penca Jr. | State of California - Department of Justice
  • Yosemite National Park Scales Back Search for Missing Hiker
  • George Penca - Vanished From Yosemite National Park
  • George Penca Jr. : r/NotForgotten - Reddit
  • These 13 hikers left from Yosemite and were never seen again

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

    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.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Brisbane, California - unidentified case UP12987
    John Doe — Brisbane, California
    UP12987 • Found Sep 17, 2014
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 64%157 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 100%6'0" vs 5'10"–5'11"
    Weight 73%175 lb vs 230–240 lb
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Fresno, California
    UP150905 • Found May 13, 2025
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 81%79 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 14 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'9" vs 5'10"–5'11"
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown

    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.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Has anyone looked into the weather conditions on the day George Penca went missing? I remember... ...Read More
    10/27/2024

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