Marine Still Missing After Failing to Return from Sierra High Route Ski Trip in February

Matthew Kraft failed to return from his backcountry skiing trip on 5th March. Credit: Inyo County Sheriff’s Office 

1st Lt Marine Matthew Kraft is still missing from his Feb 24th hike and backcountry skiing trip along the Sierra High Route (SHR).

• Related: Search is Underway for Marine Who Failed to Return from California Backcountry Skiing Trip on 5th March

Kraft’s itinerary began out of the Kearsarge Pass trailhead Feb. 23 and was scheduled to end March 4 or 5 near Bridgeport, California. The Mono County Sheriff’s Office began a search on March 4, which then expanded on March 5th and is now a joint operation with Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Other assisting agencies include California Highway Patrol, Cal OES, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, and the Marines Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Aerial support has been provided by Fresno County Sheriff, CHP – Inland Division Air Operations, CHP – Central Division Air Operations, and the Air National Guard.

Individuals with any information regarding Kraft’s whereabouts should immediately contact Inyo County Sheriff’s Office at (760) 878-0383, option 4; Mono County Sheriff’s Office at (760) 932-7549, option 7; or Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-8400.