News Release

Human Skeletal Remains Located in Joshua Tree National Park

Date: January 30, 2024
Contact: Sasha Travaglio, 760-362-9469

On January 25, 2024, at 12:08 p.m., Joshua Tree National Park staff discovered human skeletal remains located off a trail in the Black Rock area of the park. Park staff were led to the discovery when park researchers found an unattended backpack, which was later confirmed as belonging to Trammell Evans.

Trammell Evans, 25, was last seen when he was dropped off at the Black Rock Campground on April 30, 2023. The park initiated a search and rescue for Evans on May 5, 2023, after he was reported as overdue from his trip. Evans planned to hike from Black Rock to Geology Tour Road, then back to Black Rock via the California Riding and Hiking Trail. The search for Trammell Evans was ongoing and involved several cooperators including Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR), Bureau of Land Management, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, and California Highway Patrol Helicopter.
 
Upon discovery of the unidentified human remains, park rangers requested a response from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the Riverside County Coroner’s Bureau. The Coroner’s Bureau arrived at the scene and assumed the investigation. At this time, the identity of the deceased and the cause of death have not been determined. The investigation is ongoing.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with any additional information to contact Palm Desert Sheriff Station [phone] or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident # O240250071.