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Search ended for missing hiker
#28690 10/24/12 09:35 PM
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Edit: Larry Conn's remains were found June, 2013. Here's a link: Larry Conn remains recovered

Edit 11/2: The title has been changed. This search started October 24 and continued through Oct. 31. No sign of Mr Conn was ever found. We are hoping new clues may show up in the next summer hiking season.

                    Rest in peace, Larry Conn.

Original post below:



News release from Sequoia & Kings Canyon

    Oct. 24, 2012 Overdue Hiker

Quote:
OVERDUE HIKER
LAWRENCE (LARRY) CONN

AGE: 53-years-old
HEIGHT: 5'10”
WEIGHT: 160 lbs.
HAIR: Short, black with gray
IDENTIFYING FEATURES: Mustache and goatee

HIKING ROUTE INCLUDED: On Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, Larry started his hike at the Taboose Creek Trailhead in the Inyo National Forest with plans to travel over Taboose Pass toward the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon National Park. His route may have included Split Mountain and areas to the south, including Pinchot Pass. He planned to be back on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012.

CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT: Likely wearing dark clothing, may have a red or yellow bandana, may be using a dark gray or blue backpack and using a tan/red dome tent.

GENERAL INFO: Larry is an experienced backpacker and is familiar with the area.

IF YOU HAVE SEEN/CONTACTED HIM OR HAVE MORE INFO: Please contact Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' Dispatch at (559) 565-3195 OR the Inyo County Sheriff's Department at (760) 878-0383.


Click on the pictures for full-size view.                                   Larry Conn
     

      Tent Conn may be using.
     

Last edited by Steve C; 05/14/14 10:39 PM.
Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
Steve C #28692 10/24/12 11:21 PM
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Update: Larry is a member on the High Sierra Topix forum, and so members there are discussing the situation.

Here's the link: Overdue Hiker - Do You Have Any Info?

The Search for a Missing Hiker Continues
#28712 10/25/12 09:15 PM
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For more info, visit www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm. Please call if you have any information about the missing hiker.

Search for Missing Hiker Continues
Steve C #28714 10/25/12 10:04 PM
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Posted on the Seki web site:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release
For Immediate Release: October 25, 2012
Contact: Dana M. Dierkes
Phone: (559) 565-3131 (office) and (559) 679-2866 (cell)

Quote:
Search for Missing Hiker at Kings Canyon National Park
and in the Inyo National Forest Continues

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – The search for missing hiker Lawrence (Larry) Conn, a 53-year-old man from Pacific Palisades, California, continues at Kings Canyon National Park and in the adjacent Inyo National Forest. As of October 25, a total of 20 staff from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department are involved in the search-and-rescue, which includes on-the-ground operations and three helicopters, including one with thermal imaging technology. The incident is being managed by both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department, with additional support from the Air National Guard and the California Highway Patrol.

On October 24, two helicopters and approximately 12 people from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department participated in search operations. Efforts were hampered by snow and high winds.

On Friday, October 19, 2012, Conn started his hike at the Taboose Creek Trailhead in the southern portion of the Sierra Nevada in the Inyo National Forest with plans to travel over Taboose Pass toward the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon National Park. His route may have included Split Mountain and areas to the south, including Pinchot Pass. He planned to return to the Taboose Creek Trailhead on Monday, October 22, 2012. (See flyer.)

The search area is in rugged terrain at 10,000-12,000 feet in elevation. Approximately 1 to 1-1/2 feet of snow is on the ground in the search area. (See attached photo.) Temperatures range from the mid-30s in the day to the low-20s at night (degrees Fahrenheit).

- NPS -

Re: Search for Missing Hiker Continues
Steve C #28731 10/26/12 09:22 AM
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Just posted this on HST:

Hi all:

I'm not in any way involved in the search and only heard about it yesterday. I notice that the flyer and information from sequoia kings asks you to call if you saw him or have information. Just to be clear, if anyone was even in the area between the time he started the trip and now -- and I'd say anywhere between Bishop Pass, Taboose, Sawmill to Kearsarge to Cedar Grove, even the Monarch to Simpson -- then I'd call the park to give your exact route; what the conditions were; tracks noticed (or their absence) on the trail etc. Negative information (not seeing him or tracks) is almost as important as positive sightings.

Most of the forum people seem aware of this search, but it would be helpful to call friends and find out anyone in the greater search area. Also, a lot of people this time of year don't get permits so it's often everyone here who has a better idea of who's out there.

Thanks,

George


None of the views expressed here in any way represent those of the unidentified agency that I work for or, often, reality. It's just me, fired up by coffee and powerful prose.
Re: Search for Missing Hiker Continues
George #28735 10/26/12 10:41 AM
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Up to date search details at YubaNet.com.

"Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – The search for missing hiker Lawrence (Larry) Conn, a 53-year-old man from Pacific Palisades, California, continues at Kings Canyon National Park and in the adjacent Inyo National Forest. As of October 25, a total of 20 staff from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department are involved in the search-and-rescue, which includes on-the-ground operations and three helicopters, including one with thermal imaging technology. The incident is being managed by both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department, with additional support from the Air National Guard and the California Highway Patrol."


Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
Missing Hiker Update
#28745 10/26/12 09:13 PM
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On Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, Larry Conn started his hike at the Taboose Creek Trailhead in the Inyo National Forest with plans to travel over Taboose Pass toward the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon National Park. His route may have included Split Mountain and areas to the south, including Pinchot Pass. He planned to be back on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. The search for him continues.

If you have seen/contacted him, please call Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' Dispatch--(559) 565-3195 OR the Inyo County Sheriff's Department--(760) 878-0383. Please help us spread the word!

The latest search update and flyer (Oct. 26) may be found at www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm.


Last edited by SEKI News; 10/26/12 09:23 PM.
Re: Search for Missing Hiker Continues
wagga #28748 10/26/12 11:12 PM
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October 26 News Release:

Quote:
Continued Search for Missing Hiker at Kings Canyon National Park and Inyo National Forest

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – On October 26, 2012, the search continued for missing hiker Lawrence (Larry) Conn at Kings Canyon National Park and in the adjacent Inyo National Forest. A total of 35 staff from the Inyo County Sheriff's Department and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in cooperation with the Air National Guard, were involved in today's search-and-rescue operation. Efforts included ground search teams and three helicopters.

Search conditions were challenging with icy conditions and 1 to 1-1/2 feet of snow at high elevations (from 10,000 -12,000 feet). Temperatures range from the mid-30s in the daytime to the low-20s at night (degrees Fahrenheit). The search is expected to continue during the upcoming weekend with additional ground search teams and ongoing helicopter support.

Re: Search for Missing Hiker Continues
Steve C #28771 10/28/12 10:52 AM
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For more updates about the search, including a news release from the evening of 10/27/12, visit:

www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm

Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
Steve C #28775 10/28/12 12:26 PM
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A map of the search area for missing hiker Larry Conn has been posted at: www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm.

(If you do not see the entry for Oct. 28 on the page, click on the "Refresh" button once or twice and it should come up.)

Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
Steve C #28783 10/28/12 09:19 PM
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Additional information about the search for Larry Conn has been posted on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' website at http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm today:

- a news release
- a slide program (with captions)
- the same photos in the slide program (saved individually)
- a map of the search area

Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
SEKI News #28787 10/28/12 09:40 PM
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Here's the link to the map of the search area. Man, it's huge! (PDF map link)

From today's news release:
Quote:
The search is expected to continue on Monday. Managers continue to evaluate any new information to determine the direction of search efforts over the next days.

Here is a PDF file with five pictures showing the snow-covered search area: Images of the Search Area

Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
Steve C #28800 10/29/12 08:10 PM
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The following information was posted on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' website at www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm today:

- news release
- photo of helicopter coming in for a landing during search operations

(If you do not see the entry for Oct. 29 on the webpage, click on the "Refresh" button once or twice and it should come up.)


Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
SEKI News #28804 10/29/12 09:35 PM
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News release Oct 29:

Quote:
Searchers Continued to Look for Missing Hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – Searchers continued to look for missing hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park on Monday, October 29. A total of 45 staff from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Yosemite Search and Rescue ("YODOGS"-canine search and rescue team), Kern County Sheriff's Office, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, and Yosemite National Park, were part of the operation. Thirteen ground search teams, three dogs, and two contract helicopters (AStar B3, Bell 206L4) focused on specific high-probability areas around Pinchot Pass, Taboose Pass, and Split Mountain, including likely travel corridors/camp locations.

Conditions were challenging with melting/refreezing cycles masking potential tracks and creating icy areas, deep snow in drifts, cold temperatures from the mid-40s in the daytime to the low-20s at night (degrees Fahrenheit), and high elevations (8,000-13,000 feet). No clues were connected to this hiker today. The search is expected to continue on Tuesday. Managers continue to evaluate any new information to determine the direction of search efforts over the next days.


"Photo of helicopter coming in for a landing during search operations"
(From the background terrain and vegetation, it appears to be in the Three Rivers area.)


Re: Missing Hiker Update
SEKI News #28828 10/30/12 08:08 PM
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Updated information about the search for missing hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park has been posted at www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm.

- news release
- updated map of the search area

Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
SEKI News #28833 10/31/12 12:03 AM
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Tuesday, October 30:
Quote:
Efforts Continued in Search for Missing Hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – Search efforts continued for missing hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park on Tuesday, October 30. A total of 35 staff from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Kern County Sheriff's Office, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, and Yosemite National Park were part of the operation. Six ground search teams and two contract helicopters (AStar B3, Bell 206L4) focused on specific high-probability areas, including likely travel corridors/camp locations around Pinchot Pass, Taboose Pass, and Split Mountain.

Search conditions remained challenging with significant areas covered in a blanket of snow masking the ground and potential clues. Temperatures have ranged from the mid-40s in the daytime to the low-20s at night (degrees Fahrenheit). Ground crews have been effective in searching for clues within the established search area.

Despite aggressive searching, no clues have been located that have been tied to Larry Conn since he was seen by another hiker near his vehicle on October 19. Ground search assignments have been completed, and ground teams have been removed from the search area. Aerial searches are expected to continue on Wednesday.


It has got to be tough to end a search when the hiker is still out t here. Hoping the best for his family and friends.

Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
Steve C #28868 10/31/12 08:11 PM
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Additional information about the search for missing hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park has been posted at www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm.

- news release
- updated map of the search area

If you do not see the Oct. 31 info, hit "Refresh" once or twice and it should show up.

Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
SEKI News #28873 10/31/12 09:19 PM
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The new map shows an incredible number of gps routes covered, by ground and by helicopter!

Here's just a part of the map. Gray lines are helicopter gps lines, orange are ground search tracks.




Today's news release:
Quote:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release
October 31, 2012
Contact: Dana M. Dierkes
Phone: (559) 565-3131 (office) and (559) 679-2866 (cell)

Aerial Search Continued Today for Missing Hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – An aerial search continued for missing hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park on Wednesday, October 31, 2012. The search focused on specific high-probability areas, including likely travel corridors/camp locations around Pinchot Pass, Taboose Pass, and Split Mountain. Despite aggressive searching, no clues have been tied to Larry Conn since he was seen by another hiker near his vehicle on October 19. The search will be temporarily suspended on Thursday, November 1, due to impending weather conditions. Managers continue to evaluate any new information to determine the direction of search efforts over the coming days.

Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
Steve C #28892 11/01/12 08:25 PM
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The following information has been posted on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' website: www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm.

Nov. 1, 2012 - Search Efforts Suspended for Missing Hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park

- News Release (PDF, JPEG)
- Updated map of search area - 11/1 (PDF, JPEG)

If you do not see the Nov. 1 info, hit "Refresh" once or twice and it should show up.

Re: Overdue hiker: Taboose Pass / Split Mtn
SEKI News #28897 11/01/12 09:45 PM
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[ map link ]

Quote:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release

For Immediate Release: November 1, 2012
Contact: Dana M. Dierkes
Phone: (559) 565-3131 (office) and (559) 679-2866 (cell)

Search Efforts Suspended for Missing Hiker Larry Conn at Kings Canyon National Park


Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA - Efforts to locate missing hiker Larry Conn have been suspended after an intense search revealed no clues. The search of likely areas lasted for eight days utilizing 56 personnel from multiple agencies, with 10 ground search teams, three dog teams, and five helicopters. Conn began a four-day trip in the rugged wilderness of Kings Canyon National Park starting at Taboose Pass on October 19, when he was seen by an outbound hiker. A winter storm arrived in the area on the evening of October 20 and deposited up to 12 inches of snow. Conn was reported overdue to the Inyo County Sheriff's Department on the evening of October 23, and the Sheriff's Department confirmed his vehicle was still at the trailhead. On October 24, the Inyo County Sheriff's Department notified the National Park Service of the missing hiker. Search operations began in Kings Canyon National Park on October 24 and continued through October 31. Environmental conditions were challenging in the search area – a total of 48 square miles of mountainous terrain. Elevations ranged from 8,000 to 14,000 feet. Nighttime temperatures dropped to as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowdrifts made travel by foot difficult. Two searchers were evacuated by helicopter due to medical concerns related to environmental conditions.

The Incident Management Team, with the assistance of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator, reviewed operations and decided to suspend the active search. According to Incident Commander Dave Fox,

Quote:
The National Park Service and our partners have searched for Larry Conn in challenging conditions in a vast area of wilderness. We have followed up on all potential clues. There is little information left to direct search operations. We will continue to actively search for Larry Conn, if new information is revealed through investigation or tips.

--NPS--

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