The body of a missing 72-year-old man, Daniel Jay Salmond, was found Tuesday morning in a steep ravine near Big Salmon Creek, about 1,000 feet from his home, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.
Salmond was reported missing on March 1, prompting a large-scale search effort involving 12 agencies. His body was discovered at approximately 11:38 a.m. on March 4 in rough terrain with an elevation drop of about 400 feet. The area was described as having a slope greater than 45 degrees, covered in heavy underbrush, including berries, poison oak, and thick foliage.
Authorities said no foul play is suspected at this time. An autopsy was conducted on Wednesday by a forensic pathologist, though the official cause and manner of death remain pending further examination and test results. The sheriff’s office confirmed that Salmond’s next-of-kin had been notified before releasing his identity.
The search effort was a multi-agency operation, with assistance from the Mendocino, Marin, Sonoma, Lake, and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as California Search and Rescue (CALSAR), the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, the California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA), the Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit (BAMRU), the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), and the Albion Little River Fire Protection District.
The sheriff’s office also extended gratitude to Slam Dunk Pizza in Ukiah and Harvest Market in Fort Bragg for providing meals to more than 100 searchers.
Further details, including official autopsy results, will be released as they become available.