News Release

Search Underway for Texas Man Last Seen at Summit of Mount Whitney

Edward Lee Alderman, 33, at home, and at the summit of Mount Whitney in the late afternoon on Thursday, May 20.

News Release Date: May 22, 2021

Contact: Rebecca Paterson, 559-702-3400

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. May 22, 2021 – A search is underway in the Mount Whitney area for Edward Lee Alderman, 33, of Austin Texas. Mr. Alderman set out from Whitney Portal to summit Mount Whitney in the early morning hours on Thursday, May 20. The last confirmed sighting of Mr. Alderman occurred at approximately 4 p.m. that afternoon, departing the summit of Mount Whitney.

Reportedly, Mr. Alderman’s intention was to summit Mount Whitney and descend to Trail Camp in a single day. He began the day with a hiking partner, but they separated when Mr. Alderman was still approaching the summit. Mr. Alderman was reported missing by his hiking partner in the morning on Friday, May 21.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sherriff’s Office are engaged in a joint response to search for Mr. Alderman. Ground searching efforts have been delayed due to a winter storm in the mountains on Friday and Saturday. Helicopter searches are underway. With clear and warmer weather predicted on Sunday, May 23, NPS and ICSO officials anticipate that ground searching will be feasible.

When last seen, Mr. Alderman was wearing a black puffy jacket, a gray shell, khaki pants, and black trail runners. He is caucasion, 6 feet tall, and has brown hair and brown eyes.

If you believe you may have seen Edward Lee Alderman, or if you hiked in the Mount Whitney area between Thursday, May 20, and Saturday, May 22, regardless of whether you believe that you saw him, please contact Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks dispatch at [phone], or by email [e-mail].