Human Remains Found at Joshua Tree Believed to Be Hiker Who Went Missing Last April
Friends and family members believe the remains are that of Trammell "Tram" Evans, an experienced hiker who they say died of the effects of alcohol withdrawal
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Family members and friends of Trammell "Tram" Evans believe his skeletal remains were found last week in Joshua Tree National Park
The Florida man was an experienced hiker who may have died from the effects of alcohol withdrawal, they said in a social media post
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office has not yet identified the remains and the Riverside County Sheriff's Office is conducting an ongoing investigation
Human skeletal remains found in Joshua Tree National Park last week are thought to be those of a Florida hiker who disappeared there last spring, his family members said.
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office has not yet identified the remains of Trammell "Tram" Evans, but family members and friends believe they are his after personal belongings, including his backpack, were found nearby this week.
“We are saddened to share that the remains of Tram Evans have been discovered near Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park,” the Find Tram Facebook group wrote on Sunday.
Evans, 25, was last seen at Black Rock Campground on April 30, 2023, according to The Sacramento Bee and Fox affiliate KTTV.
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The avid hiker was dropped off at the location for a planned hike in an area in which he was familiar, his family said, per KTTV.
After Evans did not show up for his scheduled pick-up on May 5, park officials initiated a search and rescue mission for the man, the station reported.
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Now, nine months later, Evans’ loved ones believe he died of complications related to alcohol withdrawal, they said.
“In his final journal entry, filled with optimism but also concern regarding the symptoms of withdrawal, Tram expressed his love for everyone, reminding us that 'love is what life is all about,' ” the group wrote on Facebook. “He sought healing through being in nature, but underestimated the challenges of his condition.”
About a month after he went missing, Evans’ brother Charlie Evans told ABC affiliate KESQ-TV that his brother’s disappearance was uncharacteristic for the “experienced hiker.”
“He's done so much hiking, so, so much hiking,” Charlie said. “Honestly, more hiking than most people would want to do in their lifetime. He does it in like a month. He's done so much walking around in wilderness and he planned his trip really thoroughly.”
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation into the incident is ongoing, while the coroner has not yet identified the remains or determined a cause of death.
A representative with the sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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