Missing NorCal Hiker Found Dead at Bottom of Cliff in Sierra

Officials were frantically searching for missing hiker Bradley Dozier when they recovered his body at the bottom of a cliff due west of Upper Blue Lake near Summit City Creek on Saturday. The 55-year-old Sacramento man had been missing for nearly a week when officials recovered his body, providing devastating for news for his friends and family.

“He was doing something he loved. He came back out. He came back out a week late, but he came out,” said Brooke Wells, nephew-in-law to Dozier. “We had a family dinner Friday night, and Brad got up Saturday to drop his daughter off at the University of California, and probably around 10 a.m. he parks his car and went into the backcountry.”

Dozier’s wife contacted authorities when he failed to return home from a hiking trip on October 28th. Alpine County Undersheriff Spencer Case reported that Dozier died as a result of a fall 200 feet down a cliff on the north side of a mountain identified as “Peak 9626.”

More than 140 search and rescue workers and volunteers were involved in the weeklong efforts, Agencies involved included search and rescue volunteers from as far away as San Diego. Also assisting were military personnel, Civil Air Patrol, National Guard, and the California Highway Patrol.

“The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office thanks all those who selflessly and tirelessly volunteered their time to help find Mr. Dozier,” Case said. “Although we did not save Mr. Dozier’s life, we did return him to his loved ones.  I sincerely hope you all realize how much the public appreciates your efforts and that being a member of the Search and Rescue community shows a concern for the welfare of others that is immeasurable.”