ALMA – Family members of a Centre Wellington native who went missing while hiking in California are “praying for a miracle.”
Search and rescue teams continue to search for Rick Eastep, who was reported missing on Jan 9.
Eastep, 32, set out at the north end of the Lost Coast Trail in Humboldt County on Jan. 3 after being dropped off by shuttle service. He was expecting to complete the hike by Jan 8.
When family members did not hear from him by Jan. 9, they made inquires. Eastep was planning to meet his parents (Sandra and Steve Eastep) in Pennsylvania for a family event on Jan. 12.
Raised on a family chicken/cash crop farm north of Elora, Eastep attended Salem Public School and high school in Fergus.
He lives in Waterloo and works at the University of Waterloo as a presentation technologies specialist and event coordinator.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s office began searching on Jan. 9 when Eastep was reported missing.
He texted his shuttle driver on Jan. 7 stating he had injured his back, was near Millers Flat and needed help. The texts were not received until late on Jan. 9, as the area does not have good cell reception. The family has no idea the extent of his injuries.
Search and rescue staff and volunteers have been scouring the area – by land, sea and air – around the clock looking for Eastep.
The 25-mile Lost Coast Trail runs along coastal mountains between Shelter Cove and the mouth of the Mattole River. Much of the trail is on the beach and disappears at high tide, making parts impassable.
Bad weather – high winds, heavy rains and tide – have challenged search and rescue efforts.
On Jan. 11 teams did find Eastep’s dry bag, knapsack and ready-to-eat meals, offering a glimmer of hope. The sheriff’s office confirmed on Jan. 12 the search had been scaled back, but teams will continue to patrol the area over the next few weeks.
“My sister-in-law and brother-in-law are so appreciative of everything everyone is doing,” noted Eastep’s aunt Sharon Grose.
“Diana, who heads up the search and rescue, has been keeping in constant communications with Rick’s parents Sandra and Steve. We couldn’t ask for better help.
“Words can’t fully express their (Sandra and Steve’s) gratitude. The search and rescue staff and volunteers have been working around the clock doing a phenomenal job in adverse and challenging weather conditions along the rugged coast of California.”
Grose added, “Emotions are tender. It’s been a long week of a waiting – praying and hoping that he is found. We appreciate the support friends and local community here and in California have been offering the family at this time.
“Miracles do happen and we’re praying for one.”
Anyone with information regarding Eastep’s whereabouts can contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251.
