* MISSING HIKER - WAWONA * a message from her family

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tylercunningham

climber
Modesto
Topic Author's Original Post - Oct 9, 2012 - 12:49pm PT
Hello everybody,

Moderators, I'm not familiar with your forum so please help me out if anything moved or changed.

My name is Tyler, I'm a cousin of missing hiker Jessica Garcia. The below article pretty much says it all

*

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK -- A search team is looking for a park employee who disappeared after an orientation meeting Saturday. Jessica Rose Garcia, 23, last was seen at 11:30 a.m. walking east along Forest Drive after leaving orientation at the Wawona Hotel, where she was scheduled to begin work Sunday, according to Yosemite National Park spokeswoman Kari Cobb.
Park rangers checked Garcia's park residence when she did not come to work and found it empty, Cobb said.


Garcia last was seen dressed in her work uniform, a dark green polo shirt and dark green jacket, black slacks and black loafers.
Garcia is Latina, 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighs about 170 pounds and has shoulder length black hair and brown eyes.
Garcia is fit and hikes regularly. She is described as shy and reserved around strangers, Cobb said.
Search-and-rescue teams include six dog teams, the park helicopter, rangers on horseback and 23 rangers on foot, Cobb said. The search area includes the South Fork of the Merced River and in and around the Wawona area.
Anyone with information about Garcia's whereabouts is asked to call the Wawona Ranger Station at (209) 375-9520 or Yosemite dispatch at (209) 379-1992.

A photograph is inside the link.
http://www.modbee.com/2012/10/08/2406409/yosemite-search-team-looking-for.html

***


If any of you are hiking or have been hiking in the wawona area and remember seeing her please contact us or yosemite immediately. We appreciate all the love and support.

Love,
The Garcia, Coffen, Herrera, Cunningham and Contreras families.
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
Oct 9, 2012 - 12:59pm PT
I am sorry to know about your missing family member, and send my best wishes for her to be found very quickly, safe and sound.
John M

climber
Oct 9, 2012 - 01:05pm PT
Mercy.. I hope that they find her soon. They have been looking all over Wawona yesterday and today. Search teams just went through my property. It appears that they have a lot of people on this.
10b4me

Ice climber
dingy room at the Happy boulders hotel
Oct 9, 2012 - 04:00pm PT
best of luck with the search
zBrown

Ice climber
chingadero de chula vista
Oct 9, 2012 - 04:14pm PT
This is what Jessica looks like for anyone around there who doesn't read the article mentioned above. Hope she makes it home soon.


survival

Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
Oct 9, 2012 - 04:21pm PT
How do they know she was hiking if she was last seen in work clothes?

Did I miss something?

Best of luck to Jessica and the searchers!
John M

climber
Oct 9, 2012 - 04:37pm PT
I think "missing hiker" is just how they described her". She was new to Wawona and from what I understand was starting her first day of work on Sunday. I don't know if she had worked elsewhere in the park and was transferring to Wawona. They haven't said what she was up to because I don't think that they know in regards to what she was doing when she went missing. Hiking, going to town, going site seeing, whatever..

They have had a helicopter up today and yesterday. Plus dogs and people out searching around Wawona and along the river. They are putting in a fairly big effort.

It must be hard for the family. My prayers go out to the searchers and the family and to Jessica.
Radish

Trad climber
SeKi, California
Oct 9, 2012 - 04:53pm PT
Think the search has ended.........
John M

climber
Oct 9, 2012 - 04:56pm PT
Why do you say that? And what happened?
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Oct 9, 2012 - 04:58pm PT
Updated link:
http://www.modbee.com/2012/10/08/2406409/yosemite-search-team-looking-for.html

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK -- Update: According to KXTV in Sacramento and a Facebook page started by her family, missing Yosemite National Park employee Jessica Rose Garcia has been found alive.
According to the KXTV report, Yosemite National Park officials said rescue personnel were going to use a helicopter to airlift Garcia from the scene due to the rugged terrain in which she was found.
Yosemite officials told KXTV Garcia had sustained minor injuries, but was otherwise safe and well.

Jessica Rose Garcia, a Yosemite National Park employee, has been missing since this weekend. (Courtesy of Yosemite National Park)
Yosemite National Park news release
More on the story soon.
Radish

Trad climber
SeKi, California
Oct 9, 2012 - 05:00pm PT
With all due respects we should just stay tuned till more information comes out.
survival

Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
Oct 9, 2012 - 05:06pm PT
41 minutes ago, family facebook says that she's been found and is talking to the rangers.
Studly

Trad climber
WA
Oct 9, 2012 - 05:07pm PT
Good news is Great news!
Fletcher

Trad climber
Fumbling towards stone
Oct 9, 2012 - 05:15pm PT
Great to hear! Glad she is well and on her way out!

Eric
SofCookay

climber
Oct 9, 2012 - 05:19pm PT
Excellent, glad to hear she is safe!
Jon Beck

Trad climber
Oceanside
Oct 9, 2012 - 05:30pm PT
Nice to have a happy ending, made my day!

http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2012/10/09/2582586/search-continues-for-missing-woman.html
hossjulia

Social climber
Eastside (of the Tetons)
Oct 9, 2012 - 05:42pm PT
AWESOME! I was afraid this would turn out badly........

Congrats to the search team who found her!
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Oct 9, 2012 - 06:17pm PT
hey there say, tyler and all...

was just going to post and get folks praying when--my grandduaughter was trying to call, and i got off line...

all this time after, here i am.... and i am so happy to hear that
there are posts that the girl was found and is going to be okay...



glad i did not post, without checking back here, first...

god bless...
so very happy for her and her family...
:)
Gary

Social climber
Monza by the streetlight
Oct 9, 2012 - 06:21pm PT
Glad she's OK.
climbski2

Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
Oct 9, 2012 - 06:55pm PT
2+ days overdue with those injuries??!!

Super tough gal!

Awesome news to hear she is found
John M

climber
Oct 9, 2012 - 07:10pm PT
The Facebook page says she was last seen saturday at noon. So that potentially means 3 nights out with a fractured pelvis and femur. Wow.. that would be hard. Must be a tough lady. I wonder where she was on the south fork. I heard a heli up there for quite awhile yesterday and today.
10b4me

Ice climber
dingy room at the Happy boulders hotel
Oct 9, 2012 - 07:17pm PT
glad this turned out ok.
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Oct 9, 2012 - 09:59pm PT
Heard the initial report on the radio. Glad all appears to be well.
k-man

Gym climber
SCruz
Oct 9, 2012 - 10:09pm PT
Very Happy to hear it's "just" a broken femur & pelvis.

Girl, so sorry for the painful adventure! Heal up so you can enjoy Yosemite proper!!
brat

climber
El Portal
Oct 9, 2012 - 10:11pm PT
The South Fork is a cool section of the park, and you don't see many other people...

Heal well, Jessica.
Gary

Social climber
Monza by the streetlight
Oct 9, 2012 - 10:15pm PT
So that potentially means 3 nights out with a fractured pelvis and femur.

Three really long nights...
splitter

Trad climber
Cali Hodad, surfing the galactic plane
Oct 9, 2012 - 10:16pm PT
Tough experience to endure, for sure! But, none the less, HAPPY DAY, cuz she is safe and on her way to recovering!!

edit: like they say, what doesn't kill ya will make you stronger! Sounds like she was pretty strong to begin with!
Rhodo-Router

Gym climber
the secret topout on the Chockstone Chimney
Oct 9, 2012 - 10:19pm PT
Fractured pelvis, broken femur, and a shitload of poison oak I imagine. The south fork is hard core!
pud

climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
Oct 9, 2012 - 11:26pm PT
Good news!
So glad this has a happy ending for Jessica's family.
splitter

Trad climber
Cali Hodad, surfing the galactic plane
Oct 9, 2012 - 11:29pm PT
eKat - HARD CORE!

YO, HARDCORE BADAZZ!!
Capt.

climber
some eastside hovel
Oct 9, 2012 - 11:43pm PT
Wow!!!That is tough.Good deal.Reading so many negative outcomes lately,this is a high stoke factor.
Michelle

Trad climber
she'll make.5 past light speed
Oct 10, 2012 - 01:02am PT
So glad for a good ending!
John M

climber
Oct 10, 2012 - 01:25am PT
She went upstream.. though I think she was up Chilnualna because that is where I heard the heli. Hard to tell though because they may have been evacuating searchers.
Seamstress

Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
Oct 10, 2012 - 01:28am PT
Excellent news. We have been in dire need of a good ending.
tylercunningham

climber
Modesto
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 10, 2012 - 03:48am PT
Thank you so much for the support, it truly means a lot. I don't think Jessica or the family has seen this thread. She is currently in the hospital doing well, she spoke with her mother earlier today when she reached the hospital. Her mother should be there with her now.

On a personal note
I have done several hikes in Yosemite, I primarily work the Merced river/half dome trails, wawona was completely new to me. I can say I was a little upset when I saw how thick the forest was... I knew she was alone, I knew the chopper wouldn't see her, and although I kept it to myself I was pretty sure she was seriously hurt or dead. Meeting the staff working on finding her was the most assuring experience, they insisted she would be found alive. The only concern I had was that they were searching a 25-30 mile radius and I just knew she was really only 5-10 miles away.

Jessica is tough as nails, she went through 3 very long nights. Investigators found a receipt just before the hike showing that she had bought a bottle of water and a candy bar. We believe this is what she took on the hike. I find it miraculous she made it out just fine.

Jessica worked all summer in Yosemite valley. I believe she postponed another semester of school in SF to continue working there in wawona. She was always a city girl, but this summer she fell in love with Yosemite. Yosemite has a special place in my heart, I would hope she continues what seems to be her passion, which is Yosemite, and walk away from this ordeal and taking it as a learning experience and an opportunity to give more respect to that land. Its my hope she returns, if she doesn't I understand, who knows what she had running through her mind those nights.

I would like to thank the 50+ men and women and all the hikers in the area for looking for her. I''d like to thank the various sheriffs dept. off the top of my head Merced, Mariposa, and even Marin county responded. I don't think Jessica truly understands how many people cared. We are ecstatic to have her back. Nothing more excruciatingly difficult than seeing a wanted poster of your relative.
Patrick Sawyer

climber
Originally California now Ireland
Oct 10, 2012 - 07:21am PT
Kudos to Jessica and the searchers. Heal up young lady.
philo

Trad climber
Somewhere halfway over the rainbow
Oct 10, 2012 - 09:06am PT
I am so glad for her and her family that this situation has a happy ending. Tough break but tougher lady. You have a big fan club pulling for you Jessica. Hell well and quickly.
mooser

Trad climber
seattle
Oct 10, 2012 - 09:12am PT
I admit that I got tears in my eyes when I read how this one turned out. So glad for a happy ending, and my best wishes to Jessica for a full recovery!
tylercunningham

climber
Modesto
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 10, 2012 - 08:26pm PT
Just got some bad news about my cousin Jessica... She's not out of the woods yet unfortunately. I'll have more information soon, thank you everybody for the support.
Jon Beck

Trad climber
Oceanside
Oct 10, 2012 - 08:33pm PT
Sending good vibes to Jessica, get well and get back on it!
SofCookay

climber
Oct 10, 2012 - 08:35pm PT
Sending prayers for a woman who has shown incredible strength - get well, Jessica!
tylercunningham

climber
Modesto
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 10, 2012 - 11:25pm PT
EKat Thank you so much for your support.

It turns out she suffered a spinal injury, a good portion of the family doesnt know this but paralysis is likely. We are holding back from sharing this with the media out of hope her surgery and recovery is successful, the odds are stacked against her though.

A trust fund has been established, any donations will be greatly appreciated and can be made to,

Bank of the West fbo Jessica Rose Garcia

We understand if you cant donate, but if you can share the message on her facebook page we would appreciate it very much.

http://www.facebook.com/JessicaRoseGarcia
splitter

Trad climber
Cali Hodad, surfing the galactic plane
Oct 10, 2012 - 11:50pm PT
Jessie is also in my thoughts, hopes & prayers!
climbski2

Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
Oct 10, 2012 - 11:52pm PT
Regardless what happens so much is possible in life...

Big prayers and best wishes for an obviously tough gal.
tylercunningham

climber
Modesto
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 11, 2012 - 05:01pm PT
You have impeccable timing Kathy, I just received a phone call from Jessica's mom, she tells me they just finished operating on her back and so far so good, they are now going to operate from the front and work on her spinal chord from there. She has about 4 hours left of her 8 hour surgery. I assume this is where it gets risky.
10b4me

Ice climber
dingy room at the Happy boulders hotel
Oct 11, 2012 - 05:03pm PT
hoping for the best
dirt claud

Social climber
san diego,ca
Oct 11, 2012 - 05:04pm PT
Pullin' for Jessica. Praying that she will come out of surgery doing well.
Sorry to hear about the latest update, but happy she is alive and with her family.
John M

climber
Oct 11, 2012 - 05:05pm PT
Oh man..

I am praying for a complete recovery for her.
micronut

Trad climber
Oct 11, 2012 - 05:10pm PT
Hoping for a smooth recovery. It was great news to hear that she was found. Must have been scary for her....terrifying if she was wounded. We here on this site fully love the high and wild places, but I'm sure it was somewhat of a nightmare out there for her, out of her element. May peace and strength be with her and all of her friends and family today. Take care and thanks for the updates.
-Scott

Seamstress

Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
Oct 11, 2012 - 06:15pm PT
We are pulling for Jessica, too. I have a daughter named Jessica.

Keep in mind that the medical profession likes to keep your expectations low, and they will warn you about all possible complications. Pray and work for the best outcome. They are more likely to happen for those fighting and believing in those outcomes.
tylercunningham

climber
Modesto
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 11, 2012 - 06:15pm PT
Her brother just texted me the following message

They say she is doing really well. She is healthy & they r being very careful with everything they do. The surgery might last till 9pm.




That would mean an 11 hour surgery
guyman

Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
Oct 11, 2012 - 06:30pm PT
Fingers crossed.......

Godspeed, Jessica.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Oct 11, 2012 - 06:35pm PT
hey there say, just saw this in time... will sure be praying, too...

well, kind of in time, i reckon, i am near eastcoast time...

but with surgery, praying before, during, and after, is
giving it a 'full punch', :)


god bless...
10b4me

Ice climber
dingy room at the Happy boulders hotel
Oct 11, 2012 - 07:01pm PT
Wade Icey

Trad climber
www.alohashirtrescue.com
Oct 11, 2012 - 08:52pm PT
GDavis

Social climber
SOL CAL
Oct 11, 2012 - 10:21pm PT
Bummmmpity!
zBrown

Ice climber
chingadero de chula vista
Oct 11, 2012 - 11:05pm PT
Pushin' for swift recovery.

neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Oct 11, 2012 - 11:44pm PT
hey there say, tyler, check your email, when you can...
tylercunningham

climber
Modesto
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 13, 2012 - 11:31am PT
UPDATE: Doctors at Fresno Regional expect Jessica to fully walk again.

We are also happy to say that members at Whitney Zone have offered to coach her to the summit of Whitney once healthy.

Neebee, I should have an answer for you shortly, she would love your gift!

Our family will be pooling its resources to help pay for as much as we can so Jessica will live a normal life without being stuck with such a massive financial burden. I've started asking for donations from The Whitney Zone and my friends at the 49ers Webzone. Your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement have been more than enough, but if you wish to help out more you can donate to tyler@jcdstudios.net on Paypal. We've had donations as small as $10 and as large as $100.

And again, thank you so very much!

Love,
The Garcia, Cunningham, Coffen, Herrera and Contreras families
climbski2

Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
Oct 13, 2012 - 11:37am PT
Cheers! thanks for keeping us updated.

Sounds like she has some challenges ahead. Suggest concentrating resources on rehab. Every effort during rehab can reward for a lifetime.
survival

Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
Oct 13, 2012 - 11:41am PT
Way to go Tyler!
David D.

Trad climber
Monterey
Oct 13, 2012 - 12:29pm PT
It's nice to have one of these events have a happy ending. Best wishes for a full recovery!
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
Oct 13, 2012 - 01:19pm PT
So glad to see Jessica was found and has been strong through not only her time injured and alone, but also during her operation. Stay strong, Jessica, and best wishes for an amazing life ahead for you.
Jingy

climber
Somewhere out there
Oct 13, 2012 - 01:26pm PT
but if you wish to help out more you can donate to tyler@jcdstudios.net on Paypal. We've had donations as small as $10 and as large as $100.


-Tyler,

I have been following this thread since day one and I am glad to hear that there will be a good recovery to end this story.
Your request to help in the matter of medical costs is heard. Consider it done.
Hoping to put a little less worry on the minds of the family.

Cheers
10b4me

Ice climber
dingy room at the Happy boulders hotel
Oct 13, 2012 - 04:46pm PT
Tyler, that is great news.
I will contribute as well.
Stephen McCabe

Trad climber
near Santa Cruz, CA
Oct 29, 2012 - 04:53am PT
more details in the paper:

http://www.modbee.com/2012/10/28/2431299/back-from-the-brink-yosemite-worker.html
10b4me

Ice climber
dingy room at the Happy boulders hotel
Oct 29, 2012 - 12:34pm PT
Quite an ordeal. I hope she comes back stronger than ever; and I hope she gets her job back
Jessica Garcia

Mountain climber
Yosemite, Ca
Oct 11, 2013 - 09:36am PT
Hello, everyone. This Jessica R. Garcia. It has been a year since my accident. I was scrolling through the page on facebook and I saw this website and I thought to stop by and say hi.

I would like to say thank you for everyone's support on this forum, my cousin Tyler for dealing with the media, to any one who made donations for my recovery, and a special thank you to all the volunteers on my search and rescue.

As an update, I am currently working and living year-a-round in Yosemite Valley. I am still hiking and exploring the backcountry of Yosemite Park. I am also a volunteer for YOSAR (Yosemite Search and Rescue). I am involved in their preventive program until I finish their required training courses to participate in their actually search and rescues.

There will be another update on Abc30 News in November. Its just a clip of everything I just explain in a bit more detail.

If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. And once again, thank you for your support.

-Jess
justthemaid

climber
Jim Henson's Basement
Oct 11, 2013 - 09:54am PT
Hey Jess- nice to see your post.

I was actually thinking about you when we were up there for Yosemite Facelift this year. I sort of lost track of this thread and couldn't remember if they found you. I was a bit relieved to see your missing-person's poster on the bathroom with the words "found alive" scrawled across it.

Good luck with your recovery. Very encouraging that you are up on your feet!
10b4me

Ice climber
Bishop/Flagstaff
Oct 11, 2013 - 10:00am PT
That's great news.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Oct 11, 2013 - 10:55am PT
hey there say, jessica! wow, i had just sent you a card, to that other address you gave me--but it was not yosemite...

did you get it? or not yet?


wow, so very HAPPY, you are doing so many wonderful things!!!!


god bless and keep growing, like a lovely rose in the world,
we NEED more of these 'sweet smelling plants' along the 'road of hard rocks and hard knocks' :)


:) thank you for writing, :)
climbski2

Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
Oct 11, 2013 - 11:03am PT
Jessica thanks for posting here.

This forum gets many search alerts for lost hikers/climbers. Every one of them tugs at our hearts. In each case we desperately want a good outcome. Many of us I am sure feel a bit helpless if not in the area of search or able to directly help.

Each lost report comes with a deep longing for an outcome such as yours. Even after you were found but injured we hoped you would still want and be able to pursue your Yosemite dreams. Sadly our hopes are not always realized.

and so it was just a fantastic joyful moment when we heard you were found alive. Now even more of our hopes have been realized in finding you successfully pursuing such a great dream of living and working in Yosemite. Serving others who may find themselves in your situation is pretty awesome too. You are indeed a tough gal!

Thanks
Big Mike

Trad climber
BC
Oct 11, 2013 - 12:09pm PT
Wow Jessica. So glad you're doing ok. Those are tough injuries to come back from. I know as i burst l2 seven months ago and i'm still working on my recovery. Good luck to you and glad to hear you are still enjoying life in the great outdoors.

Mike
Ikat

Social climber
Carson City
Oct 11, 2013 - 12:22pm PT
It was really nice of you to drop us a note to let us know how well you are doing.

Thanks and best wishes for continued good health.
survival

Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
Oct 11, 2013 - 12:39pm PT
So cool to have you stop in and give us an update, thanks Jessica!
L

climber
California dreamin' on the farside of the world..
Oct 11, 2013 - 01:46pm PT
This post just made my day.

Thanks, and best of luck to you going forward with your recovery and your dreams.
FRUMY

Trad climber
Bishop,CA
Oct 11, 2013 - 02:45pm PT
Thanks for letting us know how you are, great to hear.
squishy

Mountain climber
Oct 11, 2013 - 02:51pm PT
This is such a fine example of how we are not defined by how we fall in this world, but how we pick ourselves back up and drive on!

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