GRIM DISCOVERY

Search for Missing Hiker, 24, Comes to Tragic End

Ian Roberts, 24, went on a solo hike and never returned.

The search for a missing 24-year-old hiker who vanished in a California canyon has come to a tragic end. Ian Roberts went on a solo hike in Placer County’s rugged American River Canyon on Friday morning and did not return home that night. His parents reported him missing early Saturday morning, sparking a frantic search involving hundreds of volunteers and land and water teams from Placer, Napa, Santa Clara, Marin, and Sacramento counties. Roberts, a regular hiker, had parked his car at Overlook Park in Auburn before hiking down into the American River Canyon area. Authorities said Roberts appears to have slipped and fallen down a steep embankment. “It is with heavy hearts that we share Ian Roberts was located deceased today, August 25,” Placer County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “There’s no indication of foul play.” The sheriff’s office said crews found Roberts within the Auburn State Recreation Area and Auburn city limits. The Auburn Police Department will investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. “We extend our deepest condolences to Ian’s family and are grateful for their kindness and support throughout the search efforts,” the statement said.