A 78-year-old man missing for months in California was likely dragged away by a bear or mountain lion after he had a medical episode and collapsed, authorities now believe.
Massive search efforts have been underway since Gil Clark vanished from the Goodyears Bar area in Sierra County in August.
After scouring the region and acting on several tips, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office gave the grim update after pieces of Clark’s clothing and personal items were finally located last week.
“Based on the investigation and personal items recovered, it is believed Mr Clark likely suffered a medical emergency near his home that incapacitated him or resulted in his death,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Evidence further indicates he was likely dragged from the area by a bear or mountain lion.”
His remains have still not been found.
Clark was reported missing on Aug. 14 after a friend had dropped him off in Downieville, roughly four miles from his home Goodyears Bar.
Search teams trawled a four-mile stretch of highway Clark was known to frequent and spent a significant chunk of time searching wooded terrain behind his home.
“During these efforts, searchers noted significant bear activity, and neighbors reported recent mountain lion activity in the vicinity,” the sheriff’s office said.
Crews returned to the region late last week to expand on the original search areas when they uncovered his belongings.
Authorities said Clark’s case would remain open for now.
