News Release

Missing Person Search Initiated in Joshua Tree National Park

Date: May 24, 2021
Contact: Jennifer Albrinck, 760-367-5520
Contact: Joshua Tree Investigation Tip Line, 760-401-3075

National Park Service in partnership with San Bernardino County Sheriffs and the California Highway Patrol, is conducting a missing person search at Joshua Tree National Park.

Joseph John Alvarez Espinosa (Joey), 20, of Oceanside, California, was last seen by a family member who dropped him off for a hike on Sunday, May 16, 2021. Park staff became aware that he may be in the park on Sunday, May 23, and began a search that day. He is believed to be alone. Espinosa was last seen approximately 30 miles east of Twentynine Palms on Highway 62. He was walking south into the desert. 

He is described as an Hispanic male, 5'8" in height, 300 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark blue or black tee shirt with Matthew 4:4 on the back, black cargo pants, and black shoes. He was carrying a canteen.

Joshua Tree rangers are asking anyone who may have seen or talked to Espinosa to please call or text the NPS Investigation Tip Line at 760-401-3075. Rangers request that anyone conducting a private search should cease so that they can assess the areas without contamination of physical clues necessary to this investigation. 

A missing person investigation is on-going. No further information is available at this time.