The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office now believes 78‑year‑old Gil Clark, who disappeared in mid‑August after being dropped off in Downieville, likely suffered a medical emergency and was then taken by a large predator. Searches along the four‑mile Highway 49 corridor recorded significant bear activity and reports of mountain lions. Investigators recovered some of Clark’s clothing and used four cadaver dogs but found no further evidence. The case remains open and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Missing 78‑Year‑Old Likely 'Dragged' Off by Bear or Mountain Lion After Medical Emergency, Sheriff Says
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office now believes 78‑year‑old Gil Clark, who disappeared in mid‑August after being dropped off in Downieville, likely suffered a medical emergency and was then taken by a large predator. Searches along the four‑mile Highway 49 corridor recorded significant bear activity and reports of mountain lions. Investigators recovered some of Clark’s clothing and used four cadaver dogs but found no further evidence. The case remains open and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.
01:03 PM, 11/19/2025Society
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office says investigators now believe 78‑year‑old Gil Clark of Goodyears Bar, California — who vanished in mid‑August — likely suffered a medical emergency and was subsequently taken by a large predator.
Clark was last seen after a friend dropped him off in Downieville, roughly four miles from his Goodyears Bar home. He was known to walk frequently along the four‑mile stretch of Highway 49 between the two towns.
Authorities launched an extensive search at the time of his disappearance with assistance from Nevada County Search and Rescue. During that initial effort, investigators recorded significant bear activity in the area, and neighbors later reported mountain lion sightings.
When deputies expanded the search area, they located some of Clark’s clothing and personal items. The sheriff’s office again enlisted Nevada County Search and Rescue, which deployed four cadaver dogs, but the dogs did not locate further evidence of Clark’s whereabouts.
According to the sheriff’s office: 'Evidence further indicates he was likely dragged from the area by a bear or mountain lion.' Officials also say Clark probably suffered a medical emergency near his usual walking route that incapacitated him or resulted in his death.
The missing person investigation remains active. Deputies say they will continue to follow leads and ask anyone with information about Clark’s disappearance to contact the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office.