Search continues for missing hikers

Searchers continue to comb the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for a hiker who was reported missing on Wednesday.

On Saturday, a total of 40 staff from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in cooperation with the California Highway Patrol, were involved in the search-and-rescue operation for Larry Conn, a 53-year-old man from Pacific Palisades.

Efforts included an increased number of ground search teams (nine), three dogs, and two helicopters. Search efforts were focused on specific high-probability areas around Pinchot Pass, Taboose Pass, and Split Mountain, including likely travel corridors and camp locations.

Conditions continued to be challenging with snow (up to 1-1/2 feet), ice, high elevations (8,000-13,000 feet), and cold temperatures the mid-40s in the daytime to the low-20s at night (degrees Fahrenheit).

In a second search in the Sierra, Fresno County teams continue to look for Matthew Hanson, 52, a Visalia man who was missing after going on a backpacking trip near Shaver Lake.

The search for Hanson was also taking place in a mountainous area that has also been covered with about a foot of snow on the ground, Fresno County Sheriff’s Lt. Patrick Hanson said.

The missing hiker Hanson, no relation to the sheriff’s lieutenant, was described as an avid backpacker who had left on his trip, prepared with food and clothing, on Oct. 16, with plans to return last Thursday, Lt. Hanson said.

Fresno County authorities on Sunday asked agencies across the state to send personnel and resources to help in the search. Additional help was expected to arrive late Sunday or early Monday.