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May 26, 2021

"Last seen walking into the desert on Highway 62, about 30 miles east of Twentynine Palms, park officials said. He was wearing all black and carrying a canteen." That's not a "hike," it's a suicide mission. Thirty miles east of Twentynine Palms is about here (Google map), the eastern half of the park where tourists almost never go. There are no paved roads in that area and no park facilities. To travel there you've got to be fully self-sufficient for desert survival. This guy hiked in wearing all black and carrying a canteen, suggesting he has no knowledge of how to survive in the desert.

The Desert Sun story:

Search underway for Oceanside man last seen at Joshua Tree National Park
Andrew L. John
Palm Springs Desert Sun
Published 10:28 p.m. PT May 24, 2021

A search is underway at Joshua Tree National Park for an Oceanside man who was last seen prior to a hike at the park on May 16.

Joseph "Joey" John Alvarez Espinosa, 20, was dropped off at the national park by a family member and has not been seen since, authorities say.

Park staff became aware that Espinoza may be somewhere in the park on Sunday, May 23, and began an initial search that day. The National Park Service is partnering with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol to conduct the search for Espinoza, who is believed to be alone.

Espinosa was last seen approximately 30 miles east of Twentynine Palms, on Highway 62. He was walking south into the park, authorities say.

Espinoza is described as Hispanic, around 5-foot-8 and 300 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark blue or black T-shirt with the Bible verse Matthew 4:4 written on the back, with black cargo pants and black shoes. He was carrying a canteen.

Joshua Tree rangers are asking that anyone who may have seen or talked to Espinosa please call or text the NPS Investigation Tip Line at 760-401-3075. Rangers request that anyone conducting a private search should cease so that they can assess the areas without contamination of physical clues necessary to this investigation.

Here's a description of one trail in the area.

Filed under California | permalink | May 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM

Comments

Verified - it is Espinosa's body.

Posted by: Ron's Log at May 28, 2021 10:25:56 AM

A body has been found, but it is unidentified at this time.

Posted by: Ron's Log at May 27, 2021 11:58:58 AM

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