Robert Alan Wildoner, a 76-year-old man from Apple Valley, California, was last seen on May 4, 2021, when he set out to repair a truck he had previously left behind in the remote Saline Valley of Death Valley National Park. Wildoner was a Vietnam veteran and experienced auto mechanic, known for his love of the outdoors and camping. His plan was to fix the truck, which had broken down over Easter, and return home within a few days.
After making a final call to his wife before losing cell service, Wildoner was never heard from again.
Search efforts for Wildoner began on May 8, 2021, after his wife reported him missing. His truck was found abandoned near the Saline Valley Warm Springs Campground, but there were no signs of him. Ground and aerial search operations were conducted by Inyo County authorities, but the extreme heat and rugged terrain hindered their efforts. Despite extensive searches involving search-and-rescue teams, canines, and aerial reconnaissance, no trace of Wildoner was found.
A potential clue surfaced in 2023 when a damaged sandal, believed to belong to Wildoner, was discovered near his campsite. It was speculated that he may have become disoriented at night and fallen, possibly seeking shelter in nearby unstable caves. Unfortunately, the terrain in the area is prone to cave collapses, leading to fears that his remains may never be recovered.Last Seen: May 4, 2021
