Released: December 28, 2016 - Wednesday, 07:30 PM
Missing Person/Death Investigation
Contact: Sheriff's Watch CommanderPhone: (805) 805-781-4553Date and time of incident: 12/27/16, Approximately 09:55 AMPlace of Occurrence: Sulphur Pots Campground which is located in Rural San Luis Obispo County near Big Falls Trail and Upper Lopez Canyon Trail.Victim Information: Fontenot, Michael Tyson
50 Year Old MaleSuspect Information: N/AOn 12/27/16 at 0955 hours Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to check the welfare of Michael Fontenot, a 50 year old male, at Sulphur Pots Campground in rural San Luis Obispo County. The Reporting Party (RP) dropped Fontenot off at the Rinconada trail head on 12/19/16 with plans to stay at the Sulphur Pots Campground. Fontenot planned to meet back up with the RP on 12/26/16 at the Rinconada trail head. Fontenot failed to arrive at the trail head on 12/26/16. Sheriff's Deputies and Sheriff's Search and Rescue personnel, with the assistance of a California Highway Patrol helicopter, searched the area for Fontenot but were unable to locate him. Sheriff's Search and Rescue, Sheriff's Posse and Sheriff's Aero Squadron were activated and began searching the area. On 12/28/16 Sheriff's Search and Rescue personnel located Fontenot deceased near the Sulphur Pots Campground. While foul play is not suspected, the manner and cause of death is under investigation by the Sheriff's Office's Coroner Unit. The Sheriff's Office extends appreciation to the California Highway Patrol, National Forest Service, CAL-FIRE and the San Luis Obispo County Parks system for their assistance with this search.
