As the search goes on for Joshua Tree National Park hiker Trammell Evans, tips are sought from anyone who may have been in contact with him.
This May 8th update from Joshua Tree National Park, said the Joshua Tree Search and Rescue team is continuing its mission. The release appeals to anyone who may have observed or talked to 25-year-old Evans, last known to live in LA, to submit a tip to the National Park Service.
According to the release, "The Joshua Tree Search and Rescue team (JOSAR) continues to search for missing hiker Trammell Evans. Evans was dropped off at Black Rock Campground on Sunday, April 30, 2023, around 8 p.m."
California Highway Patrol helicopter and patrol vehicle.
| California Highway Patrol/Facebook
Missing for at least one week, Evans was supposed to be picked up on May 5 at 11 a.m. but didn't show up at the destination and was reported missing at 1 p.m. that same day. Park rangers and JOSAR sprang into action without delay to locate Evans.
According to the investigation thus far, there is no evidence that anyone spotted Evans since his initial drop-off at the Black Rock Campground.
The itinerary for a six-day excursion was to take Evans, described as athletic and an avid long-distance hiker, from Black Rock to Geology Tour Road, then back to Black Rock via the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Familiar with Joshua Tree National Park, Evans is believed to have been traveling alone.
Park rangers and JOSAR are searching both on the ground and in the air for Evans. Although the team is made up of experienced trackers, searchers and climbers all well-versed in high desert terrain, it also reached out to both the Bureau of Land Management and the California Highway Patrol Helicopter. Meanwhile, rangers have contacted all 55 people that had backcountry permits in that location in case they had met Evans. The missing hiker himself did not register for a backcountry use permit, the release said.
While the team would like to hear from anyone who saw Evans, they do not want others to self-dispatch to look for him on their own, the release said. Neither do they want to have unauthorized drones involved in the efforts, since drones may interfere with helicopter searches.
According to the release, "He is described as a white male, 6’3”, 190 pounds, with brown eyes, brown/red hair and facial hair. He was last seen wearing a silver/light gray sun hoodie, black puffy vest, blue shorts, blue shoes, black backpack and a dark green beanie."
To help investigators find Evans, anyone who may have seen or spoken with him is encouraged to provide a tip to the National Park Service: Call or text the NPS-wide Tip Line 888-653-0009 or call 909-383-5652. Alternatively, offer an online tip at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip or by email at nps_isb@nps.gov.