A four-day search for a missing Roseville hiker ended Tuesday when authorities found 24-year-old Ian Roberts dead in the Auburn State Recreation Area, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
Roberts had last been seen around 9:45 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, near Overlook Park in Auburn. Investigators believe he had parked there before hiking down into the American River Canyon.
His family reported him missing the following morning after he did not return home. His vehicle was later located in the Overlook Park area, giving search teams a starting point for the operation.
Search crews spent several days working through the canyon and surrounding areas. At its height, about 100 search-and-rescue personnel were involved, with teams using drones, search dogs, helicopters and a marine unit to check areas around the North Fork American River.
More than a dozen law enforcement and volunteer agencies joined the effort, including California State Parks, California Search and Rescue, the California Rescue Dog Association and sheriff’s offices from several Northern California counties. The California Highway Patrol also provided helicopter assistance.
Search conditions were difficult, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s during the operation. Crews also used both traditional drones and fixed-wing aerial technology to cover areas that were difficult to reach from the ground.
Roberts was ultimately located Tuesday within Auburn city limits. Authorities said he appeared to have slipped and fallen down a steep embankment.
There was no indication of foul play, according to authorities. The Auburn Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding Roberts’ death.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Roberts’ family and thanked the law enforcement officers, search-and-rescue professionals and volunteers who took part in the search.
The search brought together agencies and volunteers from across the region as crews worked for several days to locate Roberts in the rugged American River Canyon area.
