SIERRA COUNTY, Calif. — A missing camper was found dead near the Pauly Creek drainage in Sierra County.
The Sierra County Sheriff's Office said Joel Lusk, of Berkeley, was reported overdue after a camping and biking trip in western Sierra County on Oct. 9. Officials said he took a mountain bike shuttle from Downieville to Packer Saddle on Friday morning and planned on camping in the Gold Lake Basin Area after finishing his ride.
However, his wife called the shuttle company after she didn't hear from him. They confirmed he was dropped off at Packer Saddle Friday. His car and gear were all still in Downieville.
Search and rescue crews responded the next morning to help find Lusk, scouring the Downieville Downhill Trail. Around 11:40 a.m., crews found Lusk's mountain bike down a steep and remote area along the trail; it was about 100 feet below the trail near the top of a large cliff and box canyon.
Crews rappelled down the cliffs and into the Pauly Creek drainage where they used a drone to find his body about 900 feet downstream. His remains were taken away in a helicopter to deputies.
"The Sierra County Sheriff's Office extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Lusk's family and friends during this incredibly challenging and distressing time," the sheriff's office said in a news release.
WATCH ALSO:
