News Release

Missing Hiker in Sequoia National Park – Edward “Hall” Newbegin

Date: September 30, 2017
Contact: Rebecca Paterson, 559-565-3129
Contact: Mike Theune, 559-565-3703

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. September 30, 2017 – Park officials are seeking leads to aid in the search for a missing hiker. 49-year-old Edward “Hall” Newbegin was last seen on Wednesday, September 27, in the lower Big Arroyo area of Sequoia National Park, when he separated from his hiking party. His party reported Mr. Newbegin missing the following day, after he failed to arrive at their rendezvous point.

The hiking party began their trip from the Sawtooth Trailhead in Mineral King on Monday, September 25. They intended to hike into the Kern Canyon and eventually out via Mount Whitney on Saturday, September 30. Mr. Newbegin is reported to have been behaving more carelessly than usual at the time of his separation from the group.

Mr. Newbegin is an experienced hiker. He is Caucasian, bald, with a gray beard and brown eyes, is approximately 6’00” tall, and weighs 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing an aquamarine jacket, carrying a large gray backpack.

One helicopter and 11 ground searchers are currently actively involved in a hasty search, with trailhead staffing in place. An additional helicopter, a canine search team, and additional ground searchers are anticipated to join the search operations. The area is a high sierra subalpine and alpine environment, between approximately 8,000 and 14,500 feet elevation. The rugged terrain includes areas of forest, alpine lakes, and areas above tree line with talus slopes and rocky mountain passes.

Anyone who may have been hiking in the area is encouraged to contact Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks at 559-565-3195 with their name, contact information, and additional details. Please contact the park if you were in this area since Wednesday, September 27, even if you do not believe you saw Mr. Newbegin.