The body of missing hiker Dawson Johnson was found on the north slope of Mt. Whitney just before nightfall on July 30th, bringing to a conclusion a two-day search for him. Johnson is believed to have fallen in a very rocky and steep area. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Johnson, who was from Redwater, Texas, was hiking in the wilderness of Sequoia National Park with his wife. On July 29th, he decided to hike on his own from Guitar Lake to Mt. Whitney and planned to return to the Lower Crabtree Meadow area of the park. He was last seen by other hikers between Trail Crest and the summit of Mt. Whitney at approximately 3 p.m. on the same day. On July 30th, Johnson’s wife hiked to the closest ranger station to let a wilderness ranger know that he had not returned as planned.
A total of 39 park employees were involved in the search.