Michael Allen Ficery, 51, vanished while hiking near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park on June 15, 2005. An experienced hiker familiar with the Hetch Hetchy area, he was on a planned multi-day solo route. His wilderness permit expired on June 19 and family reported him missing on June 21 when he did not return.

Searchers found his vehicle in the trailhead parking lot and later located his backpack near Tiltill Mountain, off his planned route and close to the snowline. The pack was missing several items, including his water bottle and camera. A large multiagency search used aircraft, dogs, and ground teams but turned up no other trace; the operation was scaled back after several days.

Investigators and family have considered accidental injury, being swept away by waterways, or foul play among possible explanations, but nothing has been confirmed and Ficery’s whereabouts remain unknown. If anyone hiked the Hetch Hetchy or Tiltill Mountain area around June 15, 2005, or remembers seeing Michael or equipment that could match his, please come forward.