Released: January 21, 2013 - Monday, 04:58 PM
Missing Person Located
Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781-4547Date and time of incident: 1-21-13Place of Occurrence: Ragged Point areaVictim Information: Richard Gates, 44, AtascaderoSuspect Information: N/AOn 1-21-13, at approximately 12:45 PM, ground search crews located Richard Gates, a hiker who had been reported missing in the Ragged Point area of San Luis Obispo County. Gates had left home on 1-19-13 to go hiking, and when he did not return, his wife filed a missing person report on 1-20-13. Search and Rescue crews from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Barbara, Kern, Monterey and Ventura counties began looking for Gates on 1-20-13 at 6 PM. They were joined by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office K9 units and Aero Squadron. They searched until midnight and then picked up the search again today at 7 AM. Gates had apparently fallen off the trail and could not get back to it. It’s important to note that Gates was an experienced hiker who had taken supplies for survival including a water filtration device to maintain hydration. Gates also followed the proper procedure for survival by staying in place and waiting to be rescued. Gates was found, uninjured, northeast of Ragged Point. A CHP helicopter airlifted him to the Ragged Point Inn where he was reunited with his family. Special mention goes to the Ragged Point Inn for providing space for a command post and for hosting Gates’ family, all of which contributed to his safe return.
