Body Of Newport Beach Man Found On Sequoia National Park Trail

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Matthew Thoke, a resident of Newport Beach, went missing on July 21 while hiking in Sequoia National Monument. After a fervent search across the national park, his body was found and recovered over the weekend, a park spokesperson shared.

Since late July, searchers did their best to traverse steep terrain and thick vegetation to find any evidence of Thoke's whereabouts, often "tripping and slipping" across hazards that would be impassable even for skilled and experienced searchers.

Thoke was last seen leaving the High Sierra Trail approximately 3 miles east of the Crescent Meadow trailhead, just east of Panther Creek, officials say. At some point, Thoke left his hiking group and was headed towards Crescent Meadow. He departed the trail, heading downhill to the south, without his pack (a black overnight backpack) for unknown reasons, they said.

"Thanks to all of you that have expressed your concern and best wishes for Thoke, his loved ones, and the many folks that were involved in this search for over 18 days," they said. "We are not able to share more details at this time and ask that everyone please respect the family's privacy."

Thoke has last seen midday on the High Sierra Trail. His body was recovered in an area that was impossible to see from the air.

A Gofundme created for his search party has earned $33,000 toward finding him.