P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
www.nps.gov/yose/news

209 372-0529 phone
209 372-0371 fax

August 7, 2003
For Immediate Release

Mono County/Yosemite National Park Seek Information About Overdue Backpacker

The Mono County Sheriff's Office and Yosemite National Park are asking for any information that can assist their unified search efforts for an overdue backpacker.

Fred Claassen, 46, of Livermore, CA began a four-day solo-backpacking trip on July 31. He started from Twin Lakes and his probable itinerary could have included Barney Lake, Crown Lake, Mule Pass, Burro Pass, Matterhorn Peak and the Horse Creek areas.

He was reported overdue on August 4, and his car has been located at the trailhead where he left it. Mono County Search and Rescue initiated a search effort at that time, and Yosemite National Park is working in unified command with Mono County. Claassen's itinerary included travel into the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (in Mono County) and the northeast corner of Yosemite.

Claassen is an experienced hiker. He is equipped for multiple days in the backcountry. He is also a photographer and is likely carrying camera equipment.

Claassen is 5'10" and weighs 155 pounds. He may be wearing a khaki shirt, khaki or olive pants, and possibly a khaki hat. He has a red down jacket and navy blue rain gear. He uses a black Dana Designs pack, a light blue daypack, and a sage green tent.

Mono County and Yosemite National Park are using ground searchers, dog teams, horse teams, trail blocks, and helicopters for aerial search in their efforts to find Claassen.

Anyone who was hiking in this area after July 31 and may have information that can help searchers find Claassen should call the Mono County Sheriff 24 hours a day at (760) 932-7549 or Yosemite National Park's communication center 24 hours a day at (209) 379-1992.

Editor's Note: Go to www.nps.gov/yose/news/graphics for photographs associated with this story.

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