Missing Northern California man’s vehicle found empty in river; search ongoing, police say

(FOX40.COM) — A Northern California sheriff’s office is continuing its search for a Mendocino County man who was reportedly last seen one month ago.

According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Terry McInnes, 65, was officially reported missing on April 12, but friends and neighbors said they last saw him on March 24.

“The reporting party was concerned based on the lack of contact with McInnes due to it being out of character [on April 12],” the sheriff’s office said. “As McInnes is a resident of Mendocino County, a missing person report was taken and the information was forwarded to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.”

Missing Northern California toddler dies in hospital

On April 17, around 8 a.m., Humboldt County deputies said they learned that McInnes’ vehicle was found empty in the South Fork of the Eel River, which is a nearly 200-mile-long river near the Humboldt/Mendocino county line. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s office said California Highway Patrol officers assisted its deputies in the search for McInnes.

The sheriff’s office said it continued its search the following day along with rescue teams and CHP but could not locate the 65-year-old man; however, Humboldt County deputies formulated a theory based on evidence found during the search.

“Preliminary information suggests that McInnes may have attempted to forge a section of private roadway that crosses the river in that area during periods of significantly increased water flow at the end of March, resulting in the vehicle being swept downstream,” the agency said.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said it will continue to work with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office and search the area where McInnes’ vehicle was found

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.