SIERRA MADRE >> Officials discovered a body Saturday while searching for a Sierra Madre man who vanished while out for a walk nearly a week ago, though it was yet to be determined whether the remains were that of the missing man, authorities said.
Carl Foote, 58, was last seen by his wife about 10:30 a.m. on Sunday walking in the area of Highland and Merrill avenues, Sierra Madre police said in a written statement. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since, and failed to report to work on Monday morning.
Foote’s personal items, including his cellphone, wallet, bicycles and vehicles, were all left behind at his home in Sierra Madre, police said.
Police searched the city, aided by local churches and community groups, and enlisted help from search and rescue teams from throughout Los Angeles County to scour the forest north of Sierra Madre, officials said. The wilderness search continued Saturday.
“Mr. Foote is a lifelong resident of Sierra Madre and is an avid walker, hiker and cyclist, and is extremely familiar with the trails in Sierra Madre and the surrounding vicinity,” according to the police statement. “It is unknown if Mr. Foote went hiking on the local trails.”
More than 40 searchers, assisted by dogs, continued the operation Saturday afternoon when they discovered a body in the forest area north of Sierra Madre, officials said.
They discovered a man’s body about 4 p.m. near Mt. Wilson Trail, in the wilderness north of Sierra Madre, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Frank Ruiz said.
The identity of the body was yet to determined, however, it matched the physical description and clothing of Foote, police said.
Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner’s officials will conduct an autopsy.
There were no initial signs of foul play involved in Foote’s disappearance, authorities said.
Foote is described as very tall and thin, standing 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighting about 200 pounds.
He was believed to be wearing a white T-shirt, khaki shorts, and tennis shoes with white socks.
Anyone with information can reach Sierra Madre police at 626-355-1414.
PHOTOS: [ABOVE] – Carl Foote of Sierra Madre went missing on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2017. (Courtesy, Sierra Madre Police Department) [BELOW] – Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Montrose Search and Rescue Team join in the search for Carl Foote of Sierra Madre, who vanished on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2017. (Courtesy, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)