A massive search effort is underway for a traveling nurse practitioner who went missing on a hiking trail in Northern California. Ann Herford, a 66-year-old Michigan resident, was reported missing after she failed to show up for work at Adventist Health in Sonora. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office has been leading the search for Herford, who was last heard from on November 11 when she expressed interest in hiking during a breakfast with a friend.
Herford, who was staying alone at a hotel in Sonora, had been reported seen near a trailhead where her car was found. Family members have informed authorities that she enjoyed hiking, but she did not possess the necessary survival skills for extended periods in the wilderness. Typically, she would only travel a couple of miles at a time. Concerned for her safety, over 120 searchers and five canine teams have joined the search effort.
Despite adverse weather conditions temporarily halting the search, it resumed on Sunday with additional teams including ground crews, a helicopter, drones, canine teams, and specialized high angle rope crews. The search area has been extensively canvassed, and authorities are urging anyone with information about Herford’s whereabouts to contact the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office.
The disappearance of Ann Herford highlights the risks associated with hiking alone and the importance of being adequately prepared for outdoor adventures. It serves as a reminder to prioritize safety and ensure necessary skills are in place before embarking on wilderness activities.
