Fred Claassen entered the Hoover Wilderness from Twin Lakes on Thursday, July 31, 2003 for a short hiking trip to Crown Lake. He planned to traverse Mule and Burro passes and return to Twin Lakes cross-country via Matterhorn Pass and the Horse Creek drainage.
Due back Monday, August 4th hikers reported seeing him last at Crown Lake on the afternoon of Friday August 1st. He has not been heard from since.
Though it’s been 4 years you can help solve the mystery of what happened to Fred Claassen. If you happen to be heading up to Robinson Creek drainage (Barney, Peeler, Robinson, Crown, and Snow Lakes area), the Horse Creek Drainage, and the northern part of Yosemite National Park between Mule Pass, Burro Pass, and the Matterhorn keep your eyes open for any items you might find discarded along the trail including bits of fabric, shoes or even broken glass or plastic. If you do find something note the location and contact the nearest ranger facility upon exiting the wilderness or call Mono County Sheriffs at (760) 932-7549 or Yosemite National Park at (209) 379-1992. Even the smallest clue can help.
Fred was an experienced outdoorsman and backpacker in good condition. He often backpacked and hiked with his wife Martha. He was last seen carrying:
- Black, Dana Designs Astroplane pack w/Sierra Club Centennial Patch on lid
- Blue nylon GoLite daypack containing photo equipment; a tripod
- Portable Sony tape recorder in plastic bag, microphones and tapes in plastic box
- CD player, CD wallet, gold walking stick w/wood handle
- Sage green GoLite tent, teal-green down sleeping bag, blue Luxury Thermarest
- Black Garcia Bear-Resistant food container, MSR stove, red fuel bottle,
- Red down jacket; navy Marmot Precip rain jacket and pants; Teva leather sandals
Please, if you find anything no matter how small or seemingly insignificant note the location and contact the nearest ranger facility or call the Mono County Sheriffs Department at (760) 932-7549 or Yosemite National Park at (209) 379-1992.
Comments
One response to “Missing: Fred Claassen”
Thank you Loyd, for the posting. The more informed eyes, the better our chances for discovery. Be safe out there.
Martha