Missing Backpacker

Yosemite News Release - September 8, 2005
For Immediate Release

Yosemite National Park Requests Public Assistance in Search for Missing Backpacker

Yosemite National Park is asking for assistance from the public in obtaining information about a missing backpacker. Leon Zheng is believed to have started a solo trip around September 2, 2005 in Yosemite National Park.

A full-scale search for Zheng was initiated on September 7, 2005, involving about 30 ground searchers, dog teams, and helicopters. Yosemite National Park Search and Rescue is currently receiving mutual aid from Mariposa, Marin, Mono, and Santa Clara County Search and Rescue Teams.

Leon Zheng is described as an Asian male weighing approximately 150 lbs. He is 27 years old, with black hair and brown eyes.

Zheng is believed to have been backpacking in the areas around White Wolf, Tuolumne Meadows, Benson Lake, and Seavey Pass. Anyone in these areas between September 2, 2005 and September 7, 2005 is asked to call the Yosemite Search and Rescue office whether or not they saw a person matching the description of Leon Zheng.

Yosemite Search and Rescue can be reached at 209/372-0216 or 209/379-1992. Media representatives should call 209/372-0529 for information.

-NPS-

Yosemite National Park News Release

September 9, 2005
For Immediate Release

Missing Hiker Located in Yosemite National Park

Leon Zheng, the 27-year-old Santa Clara resident who was reported missing by a coworker on September 6, 2005, was located September 9, 2005, at approximately 11:00am.

After losing his way near the Cathedral Creek drainage (north of Tioga Road), Zheng reportedly sustained an injury to his ankle, delaying his return. Zheng recovered enough over the next several days to walk out of the area. He met search personnel near the Murphy Creek trailhead.

Park staff in the area report that Zheng is otherwise in good health.

Yosemite National Park would like to remind visitors using Wilderness areas to leave detailed trip plans with friends or family.

Yosemite National Park would like to thank all of the SAR units who responded to the incident.


-NPS-

I'm relieved to hear that he was found. It seems there has been an inordinate number of deaths this year! Thanks for the update.