Authorities are searching for a Sacramento County man who went missing along the Mendocino County coast last week under concerning circumstances.
Ashish Patel, 37, left his Sacramento home on Thursday, September 12, 2024, reportedly exhibiting signs of mental distress, according to a close friend. His gray Ford Explorer was found abandoned along a rural road in Manchester State Park on Monday, September 16, but Patel has not been seen or heard from since.
A close friend of Patel we spoke to via telephone believes Patel may have traveled to the Mendocino Coast with the intent to take his own life and may be in possession of a firearm. However, Patel’s close friend explained, “He would never hurt anyone. He just reached a point where he couldn’t handle the stress and anxiety.”
Patel likely arrived on the coast on the evening of September 12 and may have walked away from his vehicle after parking it on Stonesboro Road within Manchester State Park. Patel’s phone has not been turned on since that evening, and he was reported missing to the Sacramento Police Department on Friday, September 13.
Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office personnel began searching the area around the abandoned vehicle on Sept. 16. “We utilized a [Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office] helicopter to assist with searching for the subject,” said Mendocino County Sheriff’s Captain Quincy Cromer. “Additional search efforts were conducted today but have not been successful in locating the missing person. Search and Rescue personnel will not be utilized at this time due to the circumstances reported to law enforcement investigating this incident.” Captain Cromer added personnel from the State Parks Rangers and the Department of Fish and Wildlife also assisted with the search.
Patel, who has no known ties to Mendocino County, is described as 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 260 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Patel’s close friend told us the missing man was likely wearing pants and boots when he went missing.
Friends of Patel have joined local authorities in the search for the missing man, though concerns continue to mount as the investigation progresses.
So sad. Depression and anxiety is no joke.
Trust me. I know. I suffer from it 🙁
Mendoza #1 place to grow POT. Very Dangerous. ?
On the Beach! Really! The man is suffering from a Mental health issue and you brought up probably the furthest thing from his mind..
You didn’t even get the name of the county right. Did you put any effort into your post at all, or did you just wake up and immediately start posting BS online?
His name was hashish and he had 260 pounds. We hope he is found and can receive help.