Missing Hiker
March 25, 2025
Wildomar
2025-011
Written by: David Bever
RMRU was requested to assist with a search for a lost hiker on Tuesday March 25, 2025, at approximately 1500hrs in a remote hilly area of Wildomar CA. Initial information about the search was limited until searchers arrived at the Command Post. The subject’s vehicle was located by family members in the City of Wildomar where a neighbor’s security video showed the subject parked and left this location on Friday March 21, 2025, at approximately 0935hrs.
Worried family members notified Riverside County Sheriff’s office of the missing subject Saturday March 22, 2025, at approximately 0800hrs. An initial review of the area was made by deputies without locating the subject. The subject did have a history of hiking and spending the night in this area as recently as February 2025.
RMRU organized a ground search of the area based on the February history and a review of the local geography. Five teams comprised of RMRU members (Shana, Ryan, Alex, Geoffrey, and Stephanie), DSSAR members (Chad and Allen), along with RCSD Dog Team members (Ember, Max, and Michael) began searching the area. The search was suspended on Tuesday at approximately 2100hrs with the intent of returning the next morning. RSO STAR9 was requested to fly the area with FLIR after sunset and had no findings.
The team regrouped on Wednesday morning to begin ground searches in multiple areas coupled with RSO 4×4 UTVs to assist in more open areas. As ground teams consisting of RMRU members (Shana, Ryan, Geoff, and Stephanie) along with RSCD Dog Team members (Ember, Mike, and Kevin) began their search, the subject emerged from the brush area to return to his car.
The subject acknowledged he spent five nights sleeping on the ground without a tent or sleeping bag, and indicated he felt dehydrated. He was evaluated by an RMRU EMT Shana, and then again by Cal Fire E75 and AMR. The subject refused ambulance transport and was reunited with family.
RMRU Members Involved: (David Bever, Alex Cochran, Shana Gutovich, Geoffrey Marshall, Stephanie Robertson, Ryan Roleson, Vinay Rao, and Richard Yocum)
Other Agencies Involved: (Riverside County Sheriff Dog Team, DSSAR, RSO SERT, RSO Southwest, RSO Elsinore RSO Aviation, Cal Fire, AMR)