Joshua Tree Skeletal Remains Confirmed As Missing Florida Hiker

JOSHUA TREE, CA — Skeletal human remains found last week at Joshua Tree National Park were confirmed to be that of missing hiker Trammell Evans, 26, of Florida, the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau announced Wednesday.

The remains were found around noon on Jan. 25 by researchers working in the park, according to the sheriff's department. It's not clear who the researchers were, but they summoned National Park Service rangers who in turn contacted the sheriff's department.

The remains were found off a trail in the Riverside County area of the park, according to sheriff's Sgt. Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez.

Joshua Tree National Park straddles Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Evans' cause and date/time of death are pending, the coroner reported.

He was last seen April 30, 2023, when he was dropped off by a friend at the park's Black Rock Campground.

"Evans planned to hike from Black Rock to Geology Tour Road, then back to Black Rock via the California Riding and Hiking Trail," according to a National Park Service news release. "Evans was supposed to be picked up on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 11 a.m. Evans was reported missing at 1 p.m. on May 5, 2023, and park rangers and the [Joshua Tree Search and Rescue] team responded immediately."

Evans' planned route was around 60 miles roundtrip.

Evans was an experienced hiker who had traversed the area before, his family told News Channel 3.

A Facebook page established by Evans' loved ones titled "Find Tram," confirmed the grim discovery.

"We are saddened to share that the remains of Tram Evans have been discovered near Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park. It appears he succumbed to complications related to alcohol withdrawal. In his final journal entry, filled with optimism but also concern regarding the symptoms of withdrawal, Tram expressed his love for everyone, reminding us that 'love is what life is all about.' He sought healing through being in nature, but underestimated the challenges of his condition. We thank the community for their unwavering support as well as the Fowler O’Sullivan Foundation and the Joshua Tree National Park Service and ask for privacy during this difficult time," the post reads.

The Fowler O'Sullivan Foundation works to support families of missing hikers.

Evans did not register for a backcountry use permit, according to the NPS, which reported that the hiker's last known place of residence was Los Angeles, "but he moves frequently."

Archive weather reports show the temperature exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the park on the date of Evans' disappearance.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with any information about the case to contact Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at 760-836–1600 or call anonymously at 760-341-STOP (7867) and reference incident #O240250071.