Mariposa County, CA – On Monday morning, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office received a report regarding two missing individuals, Leah Bernard, 34, and Daren Daniels, 38, both residents of Mariposa. The couple had embarked on a cave exploration trip on June 7th but failed to return as scheduled. Concerns escalated when Daniels’ wallet was discovered on Schilling Road by a local resident.

Intensive Search Efforts Deployed

In response to the report, the MCSO swiftly initiated cell phone pings and coordinated with family members to identify potential locations where Bernard and Daniels may have ventured. Given the challenging terrain characterized by steep inclines, heat, and dense vegetation, MCSO deployed deputies, drones, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter to aid in the search.

Throughout Monday night and into Tuesday, the search intensified with the involvement of Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, including ground units and specialized 4×4 vehicles. A critical breakthrough occurred when Leah Bernard managed to contact MCSO via 911 around 12:45 pm on Tuesday, providing crucial coordinates that led searchers to her exact location.

Successful Rescue and Reunion

Bernard was located between Quartz Mountain and the North Fork drainage area, albeit separated from Daniels. Meanwhile, efforts to locate Daniels persisted, supported by helicopter surveillance and ground tracking of his footprints near Quartz Mountain and the Merced River drainage.

Late Tuesday night, Daniels contacted his family via text, guiding SAR teams to his position at the convergence of the Merced and North Fork rivers by 10:45 pm. Despite severe dehydration, both hikers were found in relatively stable condition and did not require extensive medical intervention.

Safety Reminders from MCSO

The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office underscored the importance of preparedness for outdoor activities in remote areas like those found throughout Mariposa County. They advised hikers to:

• Plan Ahead: Share detailed itineraries with friends or family.
• Weather Awareness: Prepare for local weather conditions.
• Trail Knowledge: Consult trail guides to understand trail difficulty and stay on designated paths.

These precautions, MCSO emphasized, are crucial for ensuring personal safety and facilitating swift responses in emergency situations.

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