Search and Rescue recovers body of man in Rock Creek
Frank ChristopherUPDATE: Frank Christopher has been confirmed as the deceased.
The search for Chico resident Frank Christopher, 53, who went missing near the Rock Creek drainage in the Feather River Canyon in late January might have ended Sunday, Feb. 20.
On Sunday afternoon the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office was notified by personnel from the Jarbo Gap Cal Fire Station that they had received a report of a deceased person in Rock Creek north of Highway 70. The reported location of the deceased person was near the area where ongoing search operations have been conducted in an effort to locate Frank Christopher.
Plumas County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with swift water rescue teams from Cal Fire, and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue teams responded to scene. The body was recovered by personnel on scene with the assistance of the Butte County Sheriff’s helicopter. An autopsy has been scheduled to confirm identity and determine the cause of death.
The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office thanked all personnel who assisted in the recovery.
Plumas County Search and Rescue, with assistance from multiple agencies looked for a missing Chico man, conducted an intensive search for nine days before scaling it back Feb. 8.
“Over the past several days, Search and Rescue personnel have located personal items belonging to Mr. Christopher, which indicate he could be located within the water in a remote location of the Rock Creek drainage,” Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns said Feb. 8. “This specific area is extremely steep and narrow, and high whitewater levels from area snow melt currently limits search capabilities. It is our intent to work closely with regional air units and local Search & Rescue units to monitor this location until such time personnel can navigate the environment safely.”
Christopher’s family reported him missing Sunday, Jan. 30, when he failed to return from a camping trip. His truck was found parked near the area that was searched.
Plumas County Search and Rescue has been aided by search teams from Marin, Trinity, Nevada, and Butte counties. The California Air National Guard’s Black Hawk Helicopter, and Civil Air Patrol also have been involved. A Butte County Sheriff’s helicopter aided in the search, as did Plumas County Sheriff deputies, totaling more than 50 personnel all together. Drones and other search equipment have been integral to the search, which covers very dangerous terrain.
