78-Year-Old Man Missing for 3 Months Was Likely ‘Dragged’ Away by a ‘Bear or Mountain Lion,’ Says Sheriff

A man who vanished from Goodyears Bar, California, in August is now believed to have been dragged away by a wild animal after suffering a medical emergency, according to the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office.

In a Facebook update posted Sunday, Nov. 16, the sheriff’s office said that while the case remains open, the “most likely scenario” is that 78-year-old Gil Clark experienced a medical emergency near his home and was then “dragged” off by a bear or mountain lion.

Authorities explained that a “thorough” search was launched at the time of Clark’s disappearance, with help from Nevada County Search and Rescue. Crews focused on a four-mile stretch of Highway 49 between Downieville and Goodyears Bar, an area where Clark was known to regularly walk.

Local officials noted that during their efforts, they observed “significant” bear activity. Neighbors also reported recent mountain lion sightings in the area.

Investigators later expanded the initial search zone and discovered Clark’s clothing and personal belongings. After that discovery, Nevada County Search and Rescue was again called in, this time bringing four cadaver dogs to the scene. Despite those additional efforts, no further trace of Clark was found.

Based on the available evidence, the sheriff concluded that Clark most likely suffered a medical episode that left him incapacitated or resulted in his death, and that “evidence further indicates he was likely dragged from the area by a bear or mountain lion.”

The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that Clark’s missing person case remains open and said deputies will continue to follow up on any new leads. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Clark’s disappearance to contact the sheriff’s office.