Date: April 3, 2008
The operational period in the search for Jose Alfonso Martins, Jr., a 42 year old Manassas man, who has been missing since March 26th, was terminated early due to weather. Park officials plan to resume the search again tomorrow if weather allows.
Martins left his home in Manassas on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. His family reported him missing to the Manassas Police Department on Thursday, March 27. Martins’s vehicle was located in the park on Saturday morning, March 29.
The following trail closures, anticipated for April 4, 2008, were put into effect early on Thursday, April 3, 2008, and will remain in effect until further notice: Keyser Run Fire Road, Little Devils Stairs, Piney Branch, Sugar Loaf, Piney Ridge, Pole Bridge Link Trail, and Hull School (from the Thornton River Trail to Keyser Run Fire Road).
Jose Martins, Jr. is described as a male with black hair and brown eyes, 5’ 4”tall who weighs approximately 140 pounds. It is believed that he is wearing a dark blue ball cap with the words “Ocean City” printed on it. Martins is believed to be despondent.
Over 50 employees and trained volunteers, including ground searchers, dog teams and a helicopter are currently involved in the search. Shenandoah National Park personnel are currently being assisted by Appalachian Search and Rescue, Virginia Search and Rescue Dogs Association (VSRDA), Dogs East Search and Rescue, Top of Virginia Search and Rescue, Search and Rescue Tracking Institution, Virginia State Police, Blue and Gray Search and Rescue Dogs, Manassas Police Department, TROT Search and Rescue, and the United States Park Police.
Anyone with any information about Jose Alfonso Martins, Jr. is asked to call 1-800-732-0911. For additional information about the search and rescue operation please call 540-999-3300.
