Missing mountain biker found dead 200 feet below steep trail, California officials say
The body of a missing mountain biker was found 200 feet below his bicycle on a remote trail, according to California officials.
On Sept. 3, Sierra County Sheriff’s Office officials were dispatched after receiving a report of a missing person on the Downieville Downhill Trail, according to a news release posted on Facebook.
Scott Fraser’s wife reported him missing after he had not returned when expected after going mountain biking on the trail, according to the sheriff’s office.
Both Nevada County Search and Rescue and California Highway Patrol Helicopter H-24 were requested to assist in the search, said officials. At around 10 p.m., Nevada County Search began a full-length trail search on foot from Packer Saddle to Downieville.
The search team was unable to locate Fraser that night, so the California Office of Emergency Services helped the sheriff’s office expand their search efforts, authorities said.
The following day, Search and Rescue members from Marin County, Placer County, Downieville Fire Department and the United States Forest Service (Tahoe National Forest) and local volunteers established a base station at the top of Packer Saddle Road and at the trailhead, according to the news release.
At around 3 p.m. Sunday, the search team found Fraser’s bike over the embankment in an isolated trail area. His body was soon found about 200 feet below the trail, according to the news release. A California Air National Guard helicopter airlifted Fraser’s remains out of the canyon.
Fraser’s cause of death has not been confirmed.
“The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office offers our sincere condolences to the Fraser family and friends during this challenging time,” officials said.
Downieville is about 100 miles northeast of Sacramento.
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