A search for a missing Guelph man in California’s Joshua Tree National Park is being scaled back after five days, according to the U.S. National Park Service.
Officials said on Wednesday that the search for 51-year-old Paul Miller will now continue on a limited basis.
“While resource levels will be reduced, the incident will enter into a limited continuous search more,” a statement read. “During this phase, searchers will continue to methodically search areas of high probability when sufficient resources are available.”
Miller was reported missing by his wife on Friday after he did not return from a morning hike on the 49 Palms Oasis Trail.
A spokesperson for the park said Miller’s car was found at the trailhead, but there has been no other trace of him.
The search involved up to 90 people on the ground, six K-9 teams, ATVs and a helicopter.
Jeff Groenewald, senior leader of Lakeside Church where Miller is a member, said in a phone interview on Wednesday that the community remains hopeful and is ready to help.
“We expect Stephanie, Paul’s wife, is going to be arriving home soon and we just stand ready to help and we’re trying to figure out how best to do that,” he said.
Groenewald said he has already fielded dozens of calls and messages from other church members asking how they can assist.
He said usually when a family is experiencing some sort of difficulty, volunteers will provide meals, take them to appointments and run errands.
“Just to assist in whatever way seems appropriate, so that’s the kind of thing we’re telling people that will probably be needed to just to come around and support this family,” Groenewald said.
Groenewald added that he has heard from others that Miller was an experienced hiker.
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