MISSING CALIFORNIA HIKER FOUND DEAD FOUR DAYS AFTER DISAPPEARING IN CANYON

A four-day search for a missing California hiker has ended in tragedy after authorities found his body in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Investigators believe he may have died in an accidental fall.

Ian Roberts, 24, was last seen at about 9:45 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, after setting out alone into the American River Canyon area, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. When he failed to return home, his family reported him missing early Saturday morning.

HIS CAR WAS FOUND — BUT ROBERTS WAS MISSING

Investigators believe Roberts parked his vehicle at Overlook Park before hiking down toward the canyon.

His vehicle was located, prompting authorities and search teams to focus their efforts on the surrounding area.

More than 100 search-and-rescue personnel participated in the multi-day operation as crews worked through difficult canyon terrain searching for any sign of Roberts.

 HIS BODY WAS FOUND ON THE FOURTH DAY

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office announced that Roberts had been found deceased in the Auburn State Recreation Area.

Authorities said preliminary information indicated that he appeared to have slipped and fallen down a steep embankment.

Because the location is within Auburn city limits, the Auburn Police Department is handling the death investigation.

POLICE SAY THERE IS NO CURRENT SIGN OF FOUL PLAY

Investigators emphasized that the case has not yet been formally closed.

The Auburn Police Department said the information available at this stage is consistent with an accidental fall and that there is currently no indication Roberts’ death resulted from foul play.

Detectives will continue examining the evidence before reaching a final conclusion about the circumstances of his death.

 A SEARCH THAT ENDED IN HEARTBREAK

For four days, rescuers searched the canyon hoping to find Roberts alive.

Instead, his family received the devastating news that he had died.

The investigation now shifts from a missing-person search to determining exactly how Roberts came to fall in the rugged canyon.

 WHAT HAPPENED DURING HIS FINAL HIKE?

Why did Roberts venture into the canyon alone?

Where exactly did the fall occur?

And what happened during the hours between his last known sighting and the discovery of his body?

Authorities have not released all of those details.

For now, investigators say the evidence points toward a tragic accidental fall, while the investigation remains ongoing.

Ian Roberts went out for a solo hike on Friday. Four days later, the search ended with his body being found — leaving his family and community mourning a life lost in a remote California canyon.