A traveling nurse practitioner from Michigan, Ann Herford, was found dead on November 30 after going missing on a hiking trail in Northern California. The 66-year-old woman’s cause of death was determined to be exposure, according to officials and the Calaveras County Coroner’s Office. Herford had been staying alone at a hotel in Sonora and was last heard from on November 11 when she expressed interest in hiking during breakfast with a friend.
After failing to show up for work at Adventist Health in Sonora, Herford was reported missing by her family. Despite lacking necessary wilderness survival skills, she was known to enjoy hiking. The search for Herford involved hundreds of searchers who combed through dense forests and difficult terrain, both on foot and by air.
On November 30, Herford’s body was discovered on a steep hillside near the Arnold Rim Trail, not far from where her vehicle had been parked. The area where she was found was heavily covered by trees and foliage. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office stated that her death was not considered suspicious.
It is important to note that exposure was determined to be the cause of death, highlighting the dangers of venturing into the wilderness without proper skills and preparation. While Herford enjoyed hiking, she did not have the expertise to navigate more challenging trails or endure extended periods in the wild.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being adequately prepared and informed before embarking on outdoor adventures. It also underscores the need for hikers to exercise caution and prioritize their safety at all times.
