On July 8, 2015, 76-year-old Harold Loris Drake vanished while camping with a friend at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in California. A retired high school math teacher, Drake was an experienced and physically fit hiker. On the morning of his disappearance, he informed his friend that he was embarking on a solo hike and expected to be back in the afternoon. He set off with a gallon of water and a small backpack containing snacks. When he failed to return as planned, his friend reported him missing at approximately 10 p.m.
Drake, a resident of San Carlos, California, was described as an avid hiker with no known medical conditions. He was last seen leaving his campsite, possibly heading towards the Pine Ridge Trail or Mount Manuel Trail, the two primary trails leading from the park. He had been scheduled to leave the park on the Friday following his disappearance.
Following the report, an extensive search was launched. The Monterey County Sheriff's Department, state park rangers, and search and rescue teams from Monterey, Marin, Santa Cruz, and Ventura counties were all involved in the effort. The search also utilized helicopters from the Naval Air Station Lemoore, the state Air National Guard, and the California Highway Patrol. Search crews covered 100 miles of trails and the Big Sur River gorge, but found no trace of Drake. After seven days, the search was officially called off.
Harold Drake was born on September 3, 1938, in Modesto, California, and had a lifelong passion for photography and hiking. He had hiked numerous challenging trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. In the absence of any clues, he is presumed to have died in a mishap in the wilderness. A "Celebration of Life" service was held for him on October 18, 2015. His case remains an open investigation with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.
Last Seen: Jul 08, 2015
