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Yosemite National Park
Search Underway for Missing Backpacker in Yosemite National Park

Date: August 1, 2007

A large-scale search is underway in Yosemite National Park for Ottorrina “Terrina” Bonaventura, 80, from Schererville, Indiana. Bonaventura was last seen on July 30, 2007, near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp in Yosemite National Park. Over 100 people, including foot patrol, air patrol, and dog teams have joined the search effort.

Bonaventura is described as 5’0” tall, with dyed blond hair and brown eyes. She is an experienced hiker but has a history of memory loss which can lead to confusion. Anyone hiking in the backcountry areas around Tuolumne Meadows or east of Merced Lake (especially those near the Vogelsang or Merced High Sierra Camps or Emeric Lake) or any media inquiries about the search effort should call 209/372-0778.

Other park media inquiries can call 209/372-0248.

Rockfall area and talus slope at base of Three Brothers in Yosemite Valley.  

Did You Know?
In March 1987, the largest historical rockfall in Yosemite National Park deposited an estimated 1.5 million tons of debris at the base of Three Brothers, closing Northside Drive for several months.

Last Updated: August 02, 2007 at 15:46 EST