Missing SAR Hiker

Written by Editor

A multiagency search and rescue effort was underway after Inyo County Sheriff’s Dispatch was notified of an overdue hiker. Matthew Mooney, a 47-year old from the Bishop area, had left the Rock Creek area the morning of Aug. 20 for a day hike and never returned. RMRU was asked to help out on Aug 22.

Mooney contacted family around noon from his cellular phone; he said he was heading back from Round Valley Peak and would be home in a couple hours. He had not been seen or heard from since. Mooney is a former Inyo County SAR member, and is described as an experienced backcountry hiker.

Just as RMRU members were getting ready to take the Rescue Vehicle from the Hemet Station it was learned that Mooney was located deceased. Search and rescue (SAR) team members discovered Mooney in a chute above Tamarac Lake; he is believed to have fallen approximately 30 feet.

Agencies assisting in the search were Inyo County Search and Rescue, Mono County Search and Rescue, and China Lake Mountain Rescue Group.

RMRU team members present: Kirk Cloyd and Les Walker.