On Thursday, January 25, 2024, Joshua Tree National Park staff discovered human skeletal remains off a trail in the Black Rock area.
The discovery was made at approximately 12:08 pm and was initiated by finding an unattended backpack, later confirmed to belong to 25-year-old Trammell Evans.
Evans, known as “Tram,” a Los Angeles, California, resident, was last seen at the Black Rock Campground on April 30, 2023. He was reported overdue on May 5, 2023, sparking an extensive search and rescue operation.
Known for his athletic prowess and extensive experience in long-distance hiking, Evans had organized a solo trek starting from Black Rock, passing through Geology Tour Road, and returning via the California Riding and Hiking Trail.
Although the hiker was well-acquainted with the vast desert park, he failed to obtain a backcountry use permit, thereby hindering the process of determining his planned path.
Upon the discovery of the remains, park rangers immediately called in the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the Riverside County Coroner’s Bureau. The Coroner’s Bureau took over the investigation at the scene.
Known for frequently relocating, Evans’ latest known address was in Los Angeles. Evans’ family members and friends suggest he may have died from complications related to alcohol withdrawal, as mentioned in his final journal entry.
To find Evans, park authorities reached out to all 55 people who had obtained backcountry permits in the vicinity around the time he went missing. They urged the public not to engage in independent search efforts or use drones, as these could impede aerial search operations.
Authorities have requested that anyone with additional information regarding the case contact the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office continues seeking public information to aid in their investigation.
