Mystery as one camper is found dead and another missing after a frantic call from the trail leads to the rescue mission

A TEEN camper has been found dead and another person missing after a frantic phone call from a trail launched a rescue mission to find them.
The couple’s disappearance remains mysterious as California authorities continue to search for a 57-year-old man.

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Local authorities found the 14-year-old boy dead in a trailhead area near the town of Berry Creek, California, on Wednesday, according to a press release from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
The teenager had been on a camping trip with his father and a family friend, but at one point the father became separated from the group.
The father, who has not been identified by authorities, called the Butte County Sheriff’s Office to ask for help locating his son and friend.
That triggered a search and rescue mission for the campers.


“After receiving the call from the man [Butte County Sheriff’s Office] The deputies responded to Berry Creek and began searching for the missing persons,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Law enforcement officials said staff located the 14-year-old victim near the base of a steep cliff on the evening of July 13. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The family friend, identified as 57-year-old Christopher Stephenson, remains missing.
Authorities said they were looking for Stephenson in the Berry Creek area.
Search and rescue teams and special forces deputies responded to help with the search.
A helicopter was also used in the operation.
The case remains under investigation, although there is currently no suspicion of foul play, the sheriff’s office said.
The search mission was complicated by the fact that some hiking trails in the area were damaged by wildfires, according to the local CBS affiliate in Sacramento.
A man who lives near where the search is being conducted told the news outlet that the area is a difficult place to hike.


“Absolutely, 100 percent, it would be difficult. Almost insane,” Rob Shipley told CBS13 up close.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident or the missing person to contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Office at 530.538-7322.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/5797232/missing-california-camper-teen-dead-butte-county/ Mystery as one camper is found dead and another missing after a frantic call from the trail leads to the rescue mission