Trammel Evans, 25, is found dead along trail in Joshua Tree National Park nearly a YEAR after he wen
A hiker was found dead along a trail in Joshua Tree National Park nearly a year after he went missing as his family posted heartbreaking tributes following his death from suspected alcohol withdrawal.
Trammell Evans, 25, was last seen on April 30, 2023, when he was dropped off at the Black Rock Campground located in the northern part of Joshua Tree National Park, California.
On Thursday, park staff discovered skeletal remains off a hiking trail near Covington Flats, about eight miles from the campground, and contacted the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.
The discovery of the remains concluded the eight-month search-and-rescue operation, which began in May after he did not arrive at a planned destination.
In an agonizing post shared on social media page searching for him, his family and friends wrote: 'We are saddened to share that the remains of Tram Evans have been discovered.'
Trammell Evans, 25, was found dead along a trail in Joshua Tree National Park after eight months as his family posted heartbreaking tributes following his death from suspected alcohol withdrawal
Evans was last seen on April 30, 2023, when he was dropped off at the Black Rock Campground located in the northern part of Joshua Tree National Park, California
Before the skeletal remains were found Thursday, park staff discovered an unattended backpack, later confirmed as belonging to Evans, authorities said.
Although the sheriff's office and park staff have stated the identity and cause of death have not been determined, Evan's family detailed what they believe led to his death.
'It appears he succumbed to complications related to alcohol withdrawal,' they wrote, along with sharing photos of him pictured with loved ones.
On April 30, Evans embarked on a solo hiking trip from the campground, planning to hike from Black Rock to Geology Tour Road, then back to Black Rock via the California Riding and Hiking Trail.
Unfortunately, on May 5, 2023, Evans failed to meet up with his designated rendezvous point, leading his loved ones and authorities start an eight-month long search.
The family described him as an 'experienced long-distance hiker' who was very familiar with Joshua Tree.
On Thursday, park staff discovered skeletal remains off a hiking trail near Covington Flats, about eight miles from the campground in the park, and contacted the Riverside County Sheriff's Office
He was a beloved son, brother and friend who always had a radiant smile that lit up the room, his family expressed. The hiker was the youngest of three boys and one of the oldest among many cousins
The family described him as an 'experienced long-distance hiker' who was very familiar with Joshua Tree National Park
The discovery of the remains concluded the eight-month search-and-rescue operation, which began in May after he did not arrive at a planned destination. A map shows the comprehensive search done in Joshua Tree National Park
He was a beloved son, brother and friend who always had a radiant smile that lit up the room, his family expressed. The hiker was the youngest of three boys and one of the oldest among many cousins.
Evans was an adventurous spirit who always had a deep love for nature and exploration, his family shared during their desperate search for him.
He was also a talented and passionate sailor, who grew up sailing with his family and friends and had sailed many highly competitive regattas.
The family did not give up even after months. Three weeks before Evans was found, his family shared photos and videos capturing him on slopes, saying: 'Tram has always loved to ski and has been going for years with family and friends!
'We are not ruling out the possibility of him traveling towards colder weather for skiing,' the heartbroken family wrote.
Evans struggled with alcohol withdrawal in his final days, according to the family. 'He sought healing through being in nature but underestimated the challenges of his condition.'
The hiker's final journal entry was filled with optimism but also concern regarding the symptoms of withdrawal, his family said.
They wrote: 'Tram expressed his love for everyone, reminding us that 'love is what life is all about.'''
A social media user said emergency teams left without sirens on the day when Evans' remains were found
Joshua Tree Park Rangers Anna Marini and Myles Landry guided Evans' mother and other family members to the location of the backpack and later returned his belongings to the family
Evans was an adventurous spirit who always had a deep love for nature and exploration, his family shared during their desperate search for him
Evans struggled with alcohol withdrawal in his final days, according to the family. 'He sought healing through being in nature but underestimated the challenges of his condition'
When Evan's backpack was found last week, Riverside County officials and Deputy Coroner Ball rushed to the location.
Evans' family were in the area to attend another planned search by the Fowler-O’Sullivan Foundation, a group that provides assistance to families of missing hikers across the US, when they were given the news.
Joshua Tree Park Rangers Anna Marini and Myles Landry guided Evans' mother and other family members to the location of the backpack and later returned his belongings to the family.
A social media user said emergency teams left without sirens on the day when Evans' remains were found.
They wrote: 'Those medical vehicles all up in the park that day! I knew when they left without sirens it was probably going to be something like this.'
Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Search and Rescue, Bureau of Land Management, California Highway Patrol Helicopter, and multiple county sheriff's offices were involved in the investigation.
Evans' family wrote: 'We thank the community for their unwavering support as well as the Fowler O’Sullivan Foundation and the Joshua Tree National Park Service and ask for privacy during this difficult time.'
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pa3IpbCmmZmhe6S7ja6iaKaVrMBwrdGtoJyklWJ%2BdHyRcWpya199tqyx0WahqKuYqq5uwNGenGaokae4bqDRmqSmnZyheobCwKeqZpmcmLypu8tnn62lnA%3D%3D