News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Body of Missing Hiker Located (Update 6)

Body of Missing Hiker Located (Update 6)

By Michael P. Neufeld
Sunday, September 7, 2008

Update 6 - Sunday 6:26 p.m.

Forest Falls, CA - The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has issued the following news release relating to missing hiker Tony Jacquet, 35:

Tony Jacquet was found deceased today at approximately 10:50 a.m., in the area of Falls Creek. Falls Creek is located approximately one-half mile from the top of Big Falls.

Saturday evening at approximately 9 p.m., Deputy Paul Franklin from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Forest Falls area was contacted by a hiker who stated that on Monday he was in the Big Falls area and had assisted Tony and his dog Scamper. He had just seen a picture of Tony on the news and wanted to assist searchers in locating him. He stated that Tony was hiking on some large rocks that were difficult for Scamper to climb up on. He assisted them and reported to Deputy Franklin the area that he had last seen them.

On Sunday morning the hiker met with Deputy Franklin and search and rescue team members and took them to the area he had last seen Tony. This allowed the search efforts to be concentrated to that specific area. Search and rescue team members found Tony at 10:50 a.m., approximately one-half mile from the top of the Big Falls.

"The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department would like to thank all of the volunteers that came throughout our county to assist in the search for Tony Jacquet. Riverside, Los Angeles and Orange County search and rescue team members travelled a distance to assist in the search and we appreciate it very much," according to spokesperson Jodi Miller.

Update 5 - Sunday 4:50 p.m.

Forest Falls, CA - The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has confirmed the body of missing hiker Tony Jacquet, 35, has been located by search and rescue personnel.

Details of the discovery will be released shortly.

Update 4 - Sunday 4:07 a.m.

Forest Falls, CA - Over 70 searchers looked for a 35-year-old Forest Falls man again Saturday but were unable to locate Tony Jacquet. The search continues today.

Teams from Los Angeles County, Sierra Madre, Montrose and San Dimas, as well as teams from Riverside County and San Bernardino County, assisted in today's search efforts. Aerial searches were also conducted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Aviation Unit.

Update 3 - Saturday, 4:30 a.m.

Forest Falls, CA - Search efforts will continue today (September 6) for 35-year-old Tony Jacquet from Forest Falls.

Approximately 60 search and rescue personnel are expected to be deployed into the search areas. Search dogs as well as Sheriff's Aviation are also expected for today's search.

A Public Information Officer will be available at the command post upon request from the media.

Update 2 - Friday, 2:10 p.m

Forest Falls, CA - Additional search personnel and equipment have been added to aid in the search for 35-year-old Tony Jacquet. Two search and rescue members on off-road vehicles have begun searching the area of Raywood Flats. Three search and rescue members have now been inserted into the Jump Off area of Forest Falls and searching in a westerly direction.

The search and rescue teams have utilized Jacquet's dog, Scamper, in an effort to lead rescuers back to the path that Jacquet may have traveled. Unfortunately, these efforts were not successful.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Yucaipa Station, Deputy L. Kovensky (909) 790-3105 or Dispatch (909) 790-3100.

San Bernardino Mountain, San Gorgonio, and Bear Valley Search and Rescue Team Patches. (Photo by San Bernardino County Sheriff Department.)

Update 1 - Friday, 11:25 a.m.

Forest Falls, CA - As of 10 a.m. Friday, the search continues for Tony Jacquet.

From the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department press release:

There are approximately 30 search and rescue team members deployed. There are two dog teams: one dog is from Riverside County Sheriff's Department and is a tracking/trail dog; and the other is an area search dog from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue.

Teams are searching along the Vivian Creek Trail as well as area searches are continuing in the Snow Creek Canyon and other drainages in the Mill Creek drainage. Sheriff's Department helicopter is also assisting in today's search efforts.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Yucaipa Station, Deputy L. Kovensky (909) 790-3105 or Dispatch (909) 790-3100.

Original story - Friday, 8:45 a.m.

Forest Falls, CA – The search continues today for a 35-year-old Forest Falls man after a neighbor reported him missing when his dog, Scamper, came home alone earlier this week.

The search for Tony Jacquet, described as a white adult male, 6-foot 2-inches tall, weighing about 180 pounds with green eyes and curly brown hair with a full beard and mustache, will resume today.

Over 30 Search and Rescue team members are expected for today's search efforts along with search dogs and the Sheriff's Department Aviation Division.

Yesterday, the search centered on the Snow Creek Canyon and other drainages in the Mill Creek drainage. Search and Rescue personnel monitored the area throughout the night.

The search yesterday included two bloodhound trail and tracking dogs from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department along with one area search dog from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

One of San Bernardino County Sheriff Department' s helicopters, designated 40-King. (Photo by San Bernardino County Sheriff Department.)

Jacquet was actually reported missing late Wednesday and a Sheriff's Department helicopter checked the area without success.

Jacquet is reported to have a serious medical condition and takes medications daily that are critical to his well being. Persons with information about Jacquet are urged to contact Deputy L. Kovensky at (909) 790-3105 or Sheriff's Dispatch at (909) 790-3100.