Missing Windsor man an avid hiker

[rlown]

Just an FYI about someone missing around Stoddard lk and Billys peak in Trinity:

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/24830 ... an-an-avid" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[rlown]

They called off the search. still missing.

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/25139 ... indsor-man" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[rlown]

The search for a Windsor man who disappeared on a backpacking trip in the Trinity Alps was called off because ground and air crews were unable to find any traces of the missing man, officials said Monday.

Steve Morris, 59, was descending a mountain peak north of Weaverville with a men’s group from the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa on Aug. 2 when he failed to return to camp.

Searchers from all over Northern California scoured the craggy terrain looking for him but were unable to find any evidence pointing to his whereabouts, said Lynn Ward, a spokeswoman for the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office.

Ward said the search was suspended Friday and could resume at a later time. She did not say when or if that would happen.

“Usually, you can find a water bottle or piece of clothing,” Ward said. “We have not found anything.”

Family members are being told Morris likely fell into an area that is unreachable and not visible, and would not return, Pastor Dale Flowers said.

Rest of the story at: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/25209 ... off-search" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[maverick]

Sad, another family that will not have closure, suffering from the not
knowing until Steve's remains are found.

[rlown]

They actually kind of have closure, if at least spiritual.

Searchers from all over Northern California took part in a week-long effort to locate Morris but were unable to find any evidence pointing to his whereabouts. Officials from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, which led the effort, suspended the search on Friday, speculating that Morris slipped or tripped in what is slick, craggy terrain and fell into a deep crevice.

His wife Caroline Morris and family seemed to accept that scenario as the most likely explanation in a statement released Tuesday.

“While Steve and his hiking companion separated briefly to look for an alternate route down the mountain they had climbed together, Steve lost his footing when a piece of rock gave way and he fell down one of the steep, rocky walls that surround Billy’s Peak,” the statement said. “We do not believe Steve could have survived such a fall.”

The family said while they would consider using drones and helicopters to continue to try to find Morris’ body, they felt continuing the search on foot would be too dangerous.

Morris and his wife ran a Christian family therapy practice in Santa Rosa.

The family said they were thankful for the wide-ranging support they received during the search.

“We have reluctantly come to terms with the belief that Steve’s body may forever rest among the mountain peaks he loves so much,” the family said. “And we are thankful to know he is at peace, enjoying the company of the loving God he worshiped.”