This post was updated on Nov. 23 at 4:58 p.m.
A UCLA graduate student who was reported missing last week was found dead Saturday after an avalanche hit an Inyo County wilderness area, according to a statement from local police officials.
Rescuers found Michael Meyers dead in the John Muir Wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada, said Jeff Mullenhour, an investigator for the Inyo County Coroner’s office.
Meyers, who hiked regularly, told his family he was going hiking in the Mount Russell or Mount Whitney area Nov. 6 and was expected to return to his studies three days later. The Meyers family had last heard from him Nov. 8.
The Inyo County Sheriff’s department sent search and rescue ground teams and a helicopter to the Mount Irvine area near Mount Whitney on Wednesday, after a local resident spotted Meyers’ car, according to a press release.
The teams found items that belonged to Meyers on Friday and requested additional resources, including a search dog team and sonar technology. They found Meyers’ body in an avalanche area Saturday.
Meyers’ family reported his disappearance on Nov. 15, after he did not return for his studies Nov. 9.
Police said in a press release Meyers last bought water and gas at a gas station on the way to Mount Russell, according to ATM records.
Compiled by Roberto Luna Jr., Bruin senior staff.