The search for missing Island Mountain man Scott Graves has turned up a dead body according to officials.
Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Captain Greg Van Patten told us that search and rescue personnel located a body but at this point, it remains unidentified “due to the condition of the body.“
Scott Graves, a 63-year-old resident of the remote community of Island Mountain, had gone missing under mysterious circumstances.
Search efforts involving family, local Volunteer Fire Departments, and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department are underway.
The last contact with Graves was on December 4, and concerns rose when his brother found Graves’ truck near his cabin locked, windows down, with one of his dogs inside, but Graves was missing. His wallet, ID, hat, and belongings were found in various locations.
Scott’s wife expressed concerns, mentioning that the roads to his property were muddy. A missing person report was filed on Thursday, and search teams, including helicopters, drones, and out-of-area search parties, are were deployed to aid in the search.
Captain Van Patten told us “Sheriff’s Detectives are conducting follow-up investigations as part of death investigation.”
If anyone can offer information about the investigation, contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office by calling (707)463-4086.
The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office about the discovery of the remains:
On 12-09-2023 and 12-10-2023 the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office continued search efforts regarding the reported disappearance of Scott William Graves.
The following is a detailed list of mutual aid resources provided to the Sheriff’s Office during those dates:
Saturday 12-09-2023 – 6 teams (and CalOES representative) with a total of 51 members
- Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office SAR (8 members)
- California Search and Rescue (CALSAR – from CalOES) (5 members)
- CalOES Assistant Chief (1 member)
- Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit (BAMRU) (11 members)
- Napa County Sheriff’s Office SAR (4 members)
- California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA) (6 members)
- Marin County Sheriff’s Office SAR (16 members)
Sunday 12-10-2023 – 11 teams (and CalOES representative) with a total of 72 members
- Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office SAR (5 members)
- Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office SAR (3 members)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office SAR (4 members)
- California Search and Rescue (CALSAR – from CalOES) (5 members)
- CalOES Assistant Chief (1 member)
- California National Guard Blackhawk Crew (6 members)
- Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit (BAMRU) (11 members)
- Napa County Sheriff’s Office SAR (6 members)
- California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA) (8 members)
- Marin County Sheriff’s Office SAR (16 members)
- San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office SAR (2 members)
- Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office SAR (5 members)
On 12-10-2023 searchers located a deceased person in the missing person investigation established search area. At this time, the person is unidentified due to the condition of the body.
Sheriff’s Detectives were summoned to the location and are actively conducting investigations in an attempt to determine the identity of the person along with the cause and manner of death.
Anyone who might have information that could assist Sheriff’s Detectives in this investigation are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip-Line by calling 707-234-2100 or the WeTip Anonymous Crime Reporting Hotline by calling 800-782-7463.
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Man Missing for Days in Island Mountain Area
