Fred Lincoln Gist, a 66-year-old man, went missing on August 19, 1975, during a multi-day horseback trip in Kings Canyon National Park near Cedar Grove, California. Gist and two companions were on a camping trip when they overshot their planned destination by a few miles. The group was met by a packer who advised them to backtrack to a suitable area for their horses. Gist, feeling too tired, chose to stay behind with some food and a poncho, while the others took his horse and headed back, planning to return for him the next morning.
When his companions returned the next day, Gist was gone, though they found remnants of a campfire and food wrappers indicating he had eaten. A thorough search, including the use of search dogs and helicopters, was conducted over several days but yielded no trace of him. Despite extensive efforts, Gist has never been found, and his case remains unsolved. It is suspected that he may have wandered off and possibly succumbed to the harsh wilderness conditions at high elevation.
Last Seen: Aug 19, 1975
