Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 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 (MP114223) and 2 other sources
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

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.

76%Possible
John Doe — California
UP2614 • Found Mar 2, 1983
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 94%Est. 55–65 vs 66 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 59%179 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%190 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
75%Possible
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP4331 • Found Sep 9, 1981
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 65–80 vs 66 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 57%191 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%178 lb vs 190 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.