Missing Persons: Tuolumne County Pinecrest Area - Hikers and Dog Missing

Missing in Tuolumne County especially near Pinecrest. and anyone else that has been in the area in the last 5 days.

Please share this post and look closely at the pictures. If you see them please call the Sheriff's Office immediately at 209-533-5815 with an approximate location.

TWO MISSING HIKERS FOUND SAFE!!!!!

Updates:06/17/16 1430hrs - Donna and Mark hiked at least 60 miles. Their original hike plan was diverted due to terrain and a large amount of snow. They became lost on Tuesday and continued to use their map to try and find alternate routes. We are glad they are healthy and safe! We want to extend a huge thank you to all of the Departments and amazing Search and Rescue teams who put in long hours around the clock to see that these two and all who need help are safe.

Updates:06/17/16 0800hrs - The search for the missing hikers has resumed this morning. 

Multiple agencies including Stanislaus County, Calaveras County, Alpine County, Monterey County, Contra Costa County, El Dorado County, Marin County, Mono County, Forest Service and the National Guard have joined the search. The rescuers have extensive training for in climate weather and treacherous terrain. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's helicopter is in the air this morning flying over the trail area and surrounding areas with two more additional helicopters joining the search at 9 AM. 

The emigrant wilderness search area is very large with various terrains including steep granite, meadows, valleys, creeks and snow. There are 4 scent dogs and 1 trail dog being utilized in the search. Updates will be posted throughout the day.

Updates:06/16/16 2000hrs - Per Tuolumne County Sheriff The search for Donna and Mark, the missing hikers, will resume tomorrow at day break.

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Tuolumne County Sheriff added 6 new photos.

5 hrs · 

*TWO MISSING HIKERS*

Donna Hallberg
WFA
55 years old
Modesto Resident
5'08, 130 pounds
Short brown hair
Brown Eyes
Last seen wearing capri workout pants, a black jacket and carrying a blue backpack.
Donna has a tattoo on the back of her neck, "Live Life."

Mark Smallwood
WMA
59 years old
Modesto Resident
6'00
190 pounds
Brown hair

Donna and Mark also have a black and white dog with them, pictured below.

The two experienced hikers left on Sunday the 12th to hike the Crabtree Trail Head to Lake Gem and the Long and Deer Lakes near the Dodge Ridge, Pinecrest area.
They parked their gray Chevy Tahoe at the Crabtree trail head and have not returned to their vehicle.

A friend called the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office Wednesday afternoon when the two did not return Tuesday as scheduled. Donna and Mark are experienced hikers who have hiked the trail numerous times in the past. The friend told Deputies that the pair have enough supplies and equipment for at least the three days they planned to be in the outdoors. Donna and Mark do have cell phones but due to the lack of service in the area their location was not able to be tracked.
Our Search and Rescue Team along with the CHP Helicopter are searching the area currently.

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